Research and Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

We are looking for an Associate Director of R&D to support the development of new assays and processes for deployment in our clinical lab related to Tempus’s liquid biopsy portfolio in oncology. This role involves leading a team towards the execution of advanced molecular techniques toward the development of the most advanced sequencing platform in cancer care.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead a development and validation team from project inception through launch including sample selection, hands-on laboratory validation, establishing workflow and SOPs, and authoring validation plans and summaries
• Ensure activities are consistent with project critical path and respond appropriately to changing priorities
• Facilitate smooth transfers of developed workflows into clinical lab environments
• Evaluate emerging molecular and sequencing technologies and align these to business initiatives and product portfolio needs
• Mentor scientific staff on experimental design, continuous learning, and time management
• Conduct troubleshooting and quality control initiatives
• Assist with the development of automated processes
• Provide flexible support for other activities in the clinical Next Generation
• Sequencing lab, including emerging technology assessment, LIMS consulting, instrument troubleshooting, etc.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with 10 years experience or Ph.D. with 5 years experience in molecular techniques
• Strong analytical and conceptual capabilities, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate with clarity
• Highly organized and systematic, superb attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks with a high degree of accuracy
• Track record of assay and/or product development
• Hands-on experience with any of the following molecular methods is highly desired:
  • NGS library preparation methods
  • Knowledge of liquid biopsy in oncology space
  • PCR methods such as: PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR
  • Nucleic acid ligations
  • Nucleic acid analysis such as: quantitation by absorbance/fluorescence, gel & capillary electrophoresis
  • Magnetic bead-based DNA/RNA purification and size selection
  • MLPA
  • Sanger Sequencing
  • DNA hybridization arrays

Highly Desirable:

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with robotics and automated liquid handling systems
• Experience in validation of clinical assay validation
• Knowledge of LIMS platforms and various computer systems
• Experience developing and validating assays according to various US and international regulatory body requirements

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