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Associate Director of Field and Automation Support
Watchmaker Genomics, Inc.
Los Angeles (CA)
Remote
USD 145,000 - 165,000
Full time
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Job summary
Watchmaker Genomics seeks an experienced Associate Director of Field and Automation Support to lead both field application scientists and automation initiatives. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of customer-facing support and automation workflows for NGS applications, requiring strong leadership and management skills. Ideal candidates should possess a deep understanding of NGS workflows, proven success in a commercial life sciences environment, and excellent communication skills.
Benefits
Qualifications
- 8+ years of relevant experience in NGS and genomics support roles.
- 3+ years of team leadership or management.
- Experience building high-performing technical teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow a global team of Field Application Scientists and Automation Specialists.
- Develop and implement training and onboarding processes.
- Provide technical expertise in pre-sales and post-sales settings.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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Position: Associate Director of Field and Automation Support
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Department: Scientific Support
Location: Remote. United States major city, close to airport (within 50 miles)
Experience: MS required, 8+ Years experience with FAS, Automation and managerial experience
Position Summary
Watchmaker Genomics (WMG) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director of Field and Automation Support to lead and integrate two critical support functions: Field Application Scientists (FAS) and Automation. This leadership position will oversee the development, implementation, and performance of both customer-facing field support and internally developed automation workflows for NGS applications, with the shared goal of driving customer satisfaction and commercial success.
The successful candidate will build and manage a global, field-based scientific support team while also overseeing the strategy and execution of Watchmaker's automation initiatives, including liquid handling system integration and scalable protocol development. This role is ideal for a technically proficient, customer-oriented leader with a deep understanding of NGS workflows and a proven track record of team management and technical program execution.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow a global team of Field Application Scientists and Automation Specialists.
- Build and execute the strategic roadmap for automation and field support programs, including recruitment, performance metrics, and cross-functional integration.
- Serve as the senior liaison between Support, Sales, Product Management, and R&D to align on customer needs and technical priorities.
- Represent Watchmaker at customer sites, conferences, and industry events as a scientific and automation thought leader.
- Develop and implement training, onboarding, and process standards for the FAS and Automation teams.
- Provide scientific and technical expertise in pre-sales and post-sales settings, including customer visits, product presentations, troubleshooting, and technical content delivery.
- Establish team KPIs and quality standards to ensure high-impact, customer-facing support and adoption of Watchmaker products.
- Direct development of NGS automation workflows for key liquid handling platforms (e.g., Beckman Coulter, Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent).
- Drive relationships with automation vendors and oversee in-house liquid handling infrastructure and methods.
- Lead verification, optimization, and implementation of automated solutions that improve customer adoption and support new product launches.
- Develop SOPs, user guides, training materials, and marketing collateral for automated workflows.
Relevant experience providing field-based applications and automation support for next-generation sequencing (NGS) experiments and/or other advanced genomics applications. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and automate molecular biology workflows.
Strong consultative and communication skills for engaging customers, partners, and internal stakeholders. Direct management and/or supervisory experience of a remote team is required. Experience building high-performing technical teams and mentoring staff across scientific functions.
The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:
- MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of relevant experience in NGS and genomics support roles, including 3+ years of team leadership or management.
- Proven success providing both field application and automation support in a commercial life sciences environment.
- Experience with multiple liquid handling systems (e.g., Beckman i7/FXp, Hamilton STAR, Tecan Fluent/EVO, Agilent Bravo).
- Demonstrated track record of process improvement and driving operational efficiencies.
- Ability to multitask, perform consistently under pressure, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively interface across multiple departments.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of independent decision-making.
The base compensation for the Associate Director of Field and Automation Support role starts at $145,000-165,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off and holidays, employer covers 75% of the base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer-paid dental, employer-paid vision, employer-paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.
Application Requirements
To apply for the position, please submit the following in PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:
- Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
- Resume or Curriculum vitae highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
We are accepting applications through Friday June 27, 2025. While we have an internal candidate under consideration, we welcome all qualified applicants.
If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE
We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.
All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.
This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Seniority levelDirector
- Employment typeFull-time
- Job functionOther
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