Head of Molecular & Cellular Diagnostics - Product Development

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics innovation company in the UK is seeking a Head of Molecular and Cellular Diagnostics to lead a multidisciplinary team focused on developing cutting-edge diagnostic solutions. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership experience in diagnostics, balance technical expertise with commercial insight, and have excellent communication skills. This strategic role offers the opportunity to drive innovation in diagnostics and engage with clients, making a significant impact in the healthcare field.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in diagnostics, especially in molecular biology and device development.
• Ability to balance technical depth with commercial thinking.
• Experience in product design or development in healthcare context is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute strategic direction for diagnostics.
• Inspire and manage a high-performing team of scientists and engineers.
• Oversee design and development of novel diagnostic technologies.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate diagnostics.

Skills

Leadership in diagnostics

Strategic mindset

Communication skills

Technical literacy in biology

Innovation and product development

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial Head of Molecular and Cellular Diagnostics to lead our multidisciplinary team at the forefront of product innovation in diagnostics. This is a strategic leadership role that blends deep technical expertise with commercial acumen, driving the development of cutting‑edge diagnostic solutions that integrate biology, materials science, and device engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the strategic direction for molecular and cellular diagnostics, aligning with broader company goals and market opportunities.
• Team Leadership: Inspire, mentor, and manage a high‑performing team of scientists, engineers, and designers across disciplines.
• Commercial Engagement: Represent and articulate our unique product design capabilities to clients and stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into compelling value propositions.
• Innovation & Development: Oversee the design and development of novel diagnostic technologies, ensuring scientific rigor, technical feasibility, and user‑centric design.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, commercial, and technical teams to ensure seamless integration of diagnostics into broader product ecosystems.
• Market Insight: Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory landscapes to inform strategic decisions and innovation pipelines.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership experience in diagnostics, ideally spanning molecular biology, cellular systems, and device development.
• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical depth and commercial thinking.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a track record of driving innovation and navigating ambiguity.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Technical literacy across biology, materials science, and device engineering.
• Experience in product design or development within a diagnostics or healthcare context is highly desirable.