Lab Director

BioAro Inc; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in biotechnology is seeking a Lab Director to lead laboratory operations and drive scientific innovation. This role is pivotal in ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining high quality and safety standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD and significant experience in clinical diagnostics and genomics. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to groundbreaking research, and represent the organization at scientific conferences. Join a forward-thinking company that empowers patients through cutting-edge genomic technologies and personalized healthcare solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field with 5+ years in lab settings.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring compliance and quality standards.
• Drive innovation in testing methodologies and laboratory performance.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Regulatory Standards Knowledge

Molecular Diagnostics

NGS Workflows

qPCR

Interpersonal Skills

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Equivalent in Genetics or Clinical Biochemistry

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Quality Assurance Programs

Job description

BioAro is a biotechnology company specializing in genomics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies. At BioAro, we offer Whole Genome Sequencing, Microbiome testing, and software solutions. BioAro Inc. is a forward-thinking healthcare provider dedicated to delivering personalized care through the latest advancements in genetics. We empower patients with the knowledge and support to make informed healthcare decisions based on their unique genetic profiles.

The Lab Director will be responsible for overseeing all laboratory operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining high quality and safety standards, and driving scientific innovation. This role requires strategic leadership, operational oversight, and technical expertise in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, and genomics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including scheduling, staffing, workflow optimization, and performance management.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and innovation initiatives.
• Drive operational efficiency and maintain a high standard of laboratory performance.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory staff, ensuring a culture of continuous improvement, training, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulatory agencies.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance and control programs.
• Oversee internal and external audits and ensure appropriate documentation and corrective actions.
• Maintain and update SOPs and ensure proper validation of new methods and technologies.
• Oversee and approve all laboratory testing procedures, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical relevance.
• Evaluate and implement new testing methodologies in genomics, microbiome analysis, and AI-based diagnostics.
• Drive the research, development, and validation of new laboratory tests, including lab-developed tests (LDTs) to expand service offerings.
• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and validation of all lab equipment and instrumentation.
• Contribute to grant writing, scientific publications, and business development proposals when needed.
• Liaise with clinicians, researchers, and external partners to ensure alignment on testing needs and priorities.
• Work closely with the bioinformatics, clinical, and AI teams to integrate results into actionable reports.
• Collaborate with the sales, marketing, and business development teams by providing technical support, training, and scientific insights to promote BioAro's testing services and innovations.
• Assist in the preparation of educational content, white papers, and presentations for promotional and outreach activities.
• Represent BioAro Inc. at national and international scientific conferences, industry events, and partner meetings.
• Present laboratory capabilities, research findings, and new test developments to external stakeholders.
• Perform task(s) as required/assigned by the management.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Clinical Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory standards (Health Canada, CLIA, ISO, CAP, etc.).
• Experience with molecular diagnostics, NGS workflows, qPCR, microbiome, and/or metabolomics preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and validation of diagnostic tests.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to convey complex information to patients in a sensitive and supportive way.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with marketing and commercial teams to support scientific communication and business growth.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.