Job Title: R&D Lead – Molecular Biology
Job Location: Fremont, CA
Status: Full-time employee
Salary Range: $115K to $135K

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary R&D Lead – Molecular Biology to lead and expand our research and development programs, specifically the development of novel NGS target enrichment assay technologies and applications. This is a laboratory-based position with great career potential with hands-on molecular biology experience in the next-generation sequencing space. This role is ideal for an experienced leader with deep technical expertise in molecular biology, assay development, and nucleic acid technologies. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists and research associates, oversee complex product development pipelines, and drive strategic innovation from concept through commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning:
• Develop and implement the R&D strategy, identifying new research opportunities and aligning initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Conduct research focused on NGS applications, maintaining deep expertise to guide and support the broader scientific team.
• Provide technical leadership during product launches and deliver on-market product and manufacturing troubleshooting with a strong customer-first mindset.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in fields and techniques relevant to the NGS business unit, ensuring continuous innovation and competitive advantage.
• Team Management:
• Lead, mentor and motivate R&D team, fostering a collaborative and innovative wok environment.
• Actively participate as a member of cross-functional product development teams.
• Project Management:
• Oversee all phases of R&D projects, from conception to completion, including budgeting, resource allocation and timeline management.
• Take accountability for delivering quality results on time and in a highly ethical and professional manner.
• Innovation:
• Drive innovation by identifying new research areas, developing new technologies, and improving existing products.
• Participate in internal scientific seminars and may represent company/division through talks, tutorials, and publications.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, product management, QA, bioinformatics, manufacturing) to ensure successful product development and commercialization.
• Interface with external partners or customers on various technical projects.
• Provide timely technical support to customers.
• Create customer-facing data and technical presentations.
• Transfer new products and processes to Manufacturing.
• Communication:
• Effectively communicate research findings and project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, or related discipline.

Experience:

• 5+ years of molecular biology R&D experience with a proven track record in leading and managing projects and product development in the life sciences or diagnostics industry.
• Proficient in project management methodologies and tools.
• Deep expertise in NGS workflows, PCR, qPCR, synthetic biology, and CRISPR-based technologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in molecular biology, including DNA, RNA, and protein handling; PCR/qPCR; quantification methods; and direct NGS research experience.
• Skilled in developing and optimizing laboratory methods, with the ability to design, execute, and interpret experiments independently.
• Proficient in data analysis, with industrial product development experience as a plus.
• Effective in analyzing experimental data, drawing clear conclusions, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
• Proficient in productivity and data visualization tools (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and graphing software).
• Strong problem-solving, experimental design, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Adaptable, organized, and detail-oriented, with clear documentation practices.
• Passionate about innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous learning.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Paragon Genomics Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. Please review our Job Applicant Privacy Policy at http://www.paragongenomics.com/job-privacy-policy/ for information about how your personal data is processed and stored.
About Company:
Headquartered in Fremont, CA, Paragon Genomics is a dynamic and growing company developing and commercializing breakthrough target enrichment solutions for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). We are building a team of talented scientists, engineers and business professionals that thrive in a collaborative entrepreneurial environment. Our patented CleanPlex® technology solves the urgent throughput and efficiency bottlenecks of NGS target enrichment workflow and is applicable to many fast-growing markets in the genomics space. The Company was selected by a distinguished panel into the California Life Science Association F.A.S.T. Program in March 2016 and was accepted into the prestigious Stanford StartX Medicine Accelerator Program in September 2016.
Paragon Genomics offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, flexible spending account, 401K, paid time off, and stock options
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• Strategic Planning:
• Develop and implement the R&D strategy, identifying new research opportunities and aligning initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Conduct research focused on NGS applications, maintaining deep expertise to guide and support the broader scientific team.
• Provide technical leadership during product launches and deliver on-market product and manufacturing troubleshooting with a strong customer-first mindset.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in fields and techniques relevant to the NGS business unit, ensuring continuous innovation and competitive advantage.
• Team Management:
• Lead, mentor and motivate R&D team, fostering a collaborative and innovative wok environment.
• Actively participate as a member of cross-functional product development teams.
• Project Management:
• Oversee all phases of R&D projects, from conception to completion, including budgeting, resource allocation and timeline management.
• Take accountability for delivering quality results on time and in a highly ethical and professional manner.
• Innovation:
• Drive innovation by identifying new research areas, developing new technologies, and improving existing products.
• Participate in internal scientific seminars and may represent company/division through talks, tutorials, and publications.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, product management, QA, bioinformatics, manufacturing) to ensure successful product development and commercialization.
• Interface with external partners or customers on various technical projects.
• Provide timely technical support to customers.
• Create customer-facing data and technical presentations.
• Transfer new products and processes to Manufacturing.
• Communication:
• Effectively communicate research findings and project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders