Director of Diagnostic Assay Innovation

Hologic, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

Hologic, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Director of Applied Research and Assay Development to drive early-stage research into robust diagnostic assays and technologies.

You will lead a team of scientists and collaborate with cross-functional groups to translate discoveries into scalable products. With 10+ years in diagnostics and a PhD preferred, you will guide feasibility studies, manage science programs, and influence product strategy to advance patient care through innovative diagnostic

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in assay development, applied research, or product development within diagnostics, biotechnology, or life sciences, including substantial leadership experience.
• Experience leading innovation in IVD or molecular diagnostics and related technologies.
• Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Deep expertise in molecular diagnostics, assay design, and nucleic acid–based technologies.
• Proven ability to translate early research concepts into product development programs.
• Strong understanding of IVD product development processes and regulatory considerations (FDA, ISO, CE Mark).
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex research initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent scientific communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for innovation, scientific rigor, and improving patient outcomes through diagnostic technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research and assay development initiatives, transforming early scientific concepts into viable diagnostic technologies, assays, and platform capabilities.
• Drive feasibility studies, proof-of-concept experiments, and assay development strategies to support future product pipelines.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a collaborative environment focused on innovation, rigor, and scientific excellence.
• Partner with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, and external collaborators to transition research programs toward development readiness.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assay methodologies to identify opportunities for differentiated diagnostic solutions.
• Establish best practices for experimental design, data analysis, and documentation while ensuring quality and compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
• Represent Hologic in scientific collaborations, conferences, and external partnerships to strengthen the company’s innovation ecosystem. Participate in diligence activities in support of technology licensing or acquisitions.

Skills

Leadership

Assay development

Molecular diagnostics

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Team building

Education

PhD preferred

Molecular biology/biochemistry/biomedical engineering

Job description

Hologic, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Director of Applied Research and Assay Development to drive early-stage research into robust diagnostic assays and technologies.

You will lead a team of scientists and collaborate with cross-functional groups to translate discoveries into scalable products. With 10+ years in diagnostics and a PhD preferred, you will guide feasibility studies, manage science programs, and influence product strategy to advance patient care through innovative diagnostic