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Our client is an innovative and rapidly growing molecular diagnostics company developing next-generation technologies to improve disease detection and monitoring. Having established strong commercial traction and strategic partnerships, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth, expanding its product portfolio, advancing regulatory milestones, and preparing for significant international scale-up.
To support this growth, the company is seeking a Director of Research & Development to lead its scientific and product development strategy and build the next generation of molecular diagnostic solutions.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Director of R&D will be responsible for defining and executing the company’s product development roadmap while leading a multidisciplinary R&D organisation.
This is a highly visible leadership role at the intersection of science, product development, and business strategy. The successful candidate will play a critical role in translating innovative technologies into commercially successful products while helping shape the long-term scientific direction of the company.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership – Define and execute the company’s R&D strategy in alignment with overall business objectives.
Develop and maintain the product and technology roadmap across current and future product lines.
Evaluate new technologies, applications, and market opportunities to drive future growth.
Serve as a key scientific advisor to the executive leadership team.
Product Development & Innovation – Lead the development of molecular diagnostic products from concept through commercial launch.
Oversee assay development, optimisation, analytical validation, and product transfer activities.
Drive innovation initiatives that strengthen the company’s competitive position.
Ensure effective translation of early-stage research into robust commercial products.
Leadership & Team Development – Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of scientists, product developers, and technical specialists.
Build processes, KPIs, and governance frameworks to support a scaling R&D organisation.
Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that balances innovation with execution.
Ensure the organisation maintains the capabilities required to achieve future growth objectives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner closely with commercial, product, regulatory, quality, and operations teams.
Support regulatory submissions and validation activities in collaboration with QA/RA teams.
Work with external partners, laboratories, academic collaborators, and strategic stakeholders.
Contribute scientific expertise to investor, customer, and partner discussions when required.
Candidate Profile
Essential Requirements – PhD or advanced scientific degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Oncology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
Significant experience within molecular diagnostics, genomics, oncology, or related life science sectors.
Proven experience leading the development and launch of diagnostic, life science, or molecular biology products.
Strong expertise in molecular technologies such as PCR, NGS, hybridisation-based methods, probe design, or related platforms.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing multidisciplinary R&D teams. E
xperience operating within a fast-paced, innovative environment where ambiguity and rapid decision-making are required.
Preferred Experience Experience supporting products through regulatory pathways including IVDR, FDA, or equivalent frameworks.
Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 13485.
Understanding of clinical laboratory environments and workflow requirements.
Exposure to bioinformatics, software-enabled diagnostics, or data-driven product development.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate combines deep scientific credibility with strong business acumen and leadership capability. They will be comfortable challenging existing assumptions, driving innovation, and making strategic decisions while maintaining focus on product delivery and commercial impact.
This opportunity would particularly suit an individual who has successfully helped bring novel molecular technologies to market and is excited by the prospect of joining a high-growth company at a pivotal stage of its journey.
Location: Europe-based. Relocation support may be available.
Why Join?
Opportunity to join a rapidly growing diagnostics company at a key inflection point. Significant influence over scientific strategy, product development, and company growth.
Highly visible leadership position with direct exposure to executive leadership and investors.
Competitive compensation package including long-term equity participation.
Chance to help shape the future of precision diagnostics and improve patient outcomes globally.
Sound interesting? Apply today to find out more.