Head of Molecular & Cellular Diagnostics - Product Development

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Molecular and Cellular Diagnostics to lead innovative product development. The role requires proven leadership experience and a strategic mindset, along with superior communication skills. Candidates should have technical expertise in biology, materials science, and device engineering. This is a unique opportunity to drive cutting-edge solutions in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in diagnostics, ideally spanning molecular biology and cellular systems.
• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical depth and commercial thinking.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic direction for molecular and cellular diagnostics.
• Inspire, mentor, and manage a high-performing team.
• Oversee the design and development of novel diagnostic technologies.

Skills

Leadership experience in diagnostics

Strategic mindset

Excellent communication skills

Technical literacy across biology

Entrepreneurial spirit

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.