Vice President, Genomics Operations

Discovery Life Sciences; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free medical

Free dental

Vision coverage

Life insurance

401(k) match

UPTO (unlimited paid time off)

Job summary

Discovery Life Sciences in Huntsville, AL seeks a senior leader to oversee US genomics operations, guiding clinical and research programs and ensuring CLIA/CAP compliance.

The VP, Genomics will drive strategy, QC, data integrity, partnerships, and revenue growth while leading a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced biospecimen and sequencing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of laboratory experience including Next Gen Sequencing and molecular testing.
• Progressive managerial experience — minimum 5 years; strong leadership and management skills.
• Experience leading genomics operations with clinical operations, RNA/DNA analysis, library prep, QC, bioinformatics and NGS.
• Commercial mindset with ability to advise sales teams to drive revenue growth.
• Strong organizational skills to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic setting.
• Attention to detail and adherence to SOPs; able to communicate with peer managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day genomics lab and clinical program operations.
• Manage lab performance via workflow improvements and budgeting.
• Ensure operations align with scientific and business goals.
• Support assay development and SOP optimization; oversee data quality and reliability.
• Ensure CLIA/CAP, GMP/GCLP standards; collaborate with QA to maintain compliance.
• Partner with R&D, scientific affairs and other teams; manage vendor contracts.
• Drive customer challenges resolution and business growth, including travel for meetings.

Skills

Next Generation Sequencing

Molecular testing

Leadership experience

Genomics operations

RNA/DNA analysis

Library preparation

QC

Bioinformatics

Clinical trials

Strategic advisory

Team management

Job description

Discovery Life Sciences is a global market leader in biospecimen solutions and specialty laboratory services, offering an extensive range of products and services to support drug discovery and development. With a network of laboratories and offices across the United States and Europe, we serve customers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Discovery is committed to advancing scientific research and improving health care outcomes. We are dedicated to accelerating the discovery and development of new therapies and diagnostics by providing the highest quality biospecimens, in vitro preclinical products, and cell and gene therapy starting materials, coupled with specialty lab services.

The VP, Genomics contributes to our mission by providing strategic oversight for all US genomic operations and ensuring adherence to GCLP, CAP and CLIA standards.

About the RoleMust-Have Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of laboratory experience to include Next Generation Sequencing and molecular testing
• Demonstrated progressive managerial experience - minimum of 5 years; must have strong leadership, influencing and management skills.
• Experience with leading genomics operations with strong understanding of clinical operations, RNA/DNA analysis, library preparation, QC, bioinformatics, clinical trials and Next-Generation Sequencing.
• Must be commercially minded with the ability to provide strategic advisory support to sales teams in efforts to drive revenue growth.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and resolve multiple complex problems simultaneously.
• Keen attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to communicate with peer level managers to resolve issues that impact multiple departments.
• Previous work experience in a College of American Pathologists (CAP) or Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified (CLIA) facility preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Operations:
  • Lead day-to-day operations of genomics labs and clinical programs.
  • Manage lab performance via workflow improvements.
  • Ensure operational alignment with scientific and business goals.
  • Develop and manage the operations budget effectively.
• Scientific & Technical Oversight:
  • Support assay development and SOP optimization.
  • Ensure sample processing meets CLIA/CAP, GMP/GCLP standards.
  • Troubleshoot lab processes and optimize workflows.
  • Oversee quality, accuracy, and reliability of genomic data.
• Quality & Compliance:
  • Collaborate with Quality to ensure SOPs, CAPAs, and compliance.
  • Maintain compliance with laws and regulatory requirements.
  • Use metrics to guide decisions and improve productivity.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:
  • Work closely with internal teams (R&D, scientific affairs, etc.).
  • Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and leadership.
  • Collaborate on cross-functional projects involving multiple technologies.
  • Manage vendor contracts and external service providers.
• Customer & Business Development:
  • Oversee customer challenges and ensure effective solutions.
  • Contribute to business growth by supporting new and existing clients.
  • Travel for customer visits and business development activities.
• Staff & Team Management:
  • Define job expectations and manage team performance.
  • Coach, counsel, and discipline employees as needed.
  • Foster a high-performance culture with clear goals and metrics.

Compensation and Benefits

Discovery Life Sciences is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices, and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to qualifications, skills, and experience.

• Benefits package options include free medical, dental, vision, and life for employees, which start on the first day of employment. Discovery covers 85% of the cost for eligible dependents.
• Inclusion in executive unlimited paid time off (UPTO) program.
• 401(k) match program which starts on the first day of employment.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Employee Referral Program and Colleague Recognition Program.

Location and Work Hours

• Onsite at a Huntsville, AL office
• Relocation support is available for the selected qualified candidate to relocate to Huntsville, AL.
• Up to 20% domestic and international travel required for site meetings and customer meetings.

Discovery Life Sciences is proud to be an equal opportunity employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.