BostonGene Corporation pioneers biomedical software for advanced patient analysis and personalized therapy decision-making in cancer treatment. Our solution integrates cutting-edge cancer research and clinical data to empower clinicians in tailoring optimal treatment strategies for individual patients.
Position Overview
The Director of NGS will oversee the next-generation sequencing workflow across the clinical and R&D teams, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation. This leadership role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of NGS technologies, exceptional operational management skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities:
NGS Assay Development & Quality Control:
Develop and standardize NGS test methods for measuring patient samples, including tissue and liquid biopsy-based DNA and RNA-based tests.
Establish and maintain rigorous quality control and quality assurance processes.
Monitor and evaluate performance metrics to ensure the highest quality of sequencing data.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across NGS teams to minimize downtime and maintain operational continuity.
Technology and Innovation:
Stay abreast of the latest advancements in NGS technological and genomic research.
Evaluate and implement new technologies and methods to keep the company at the cutting edge of genomic testing.
Maintain a process of continuous improvement and analytical validation of testing platforms.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with clinical operations, bioinformatics, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of NGS tests and data into the BostonGene NGS product portfolio.
Collaborate with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies as needed.
Leadership and Strategy:
Develop and execute strategic plans for NGS operations to support the company's NGS product portfolio, clinical trial support, and R&D assay development goals.
Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of scientists, bioinformaticians, and laboratory technicians.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the NGS teams in the BG laboratory.
Budget and Resource Management:
Develop and manage budgets for NGS assay development, and assay improvements ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
Oversee procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies.
Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
Preferred Skills:
Next Generation Sequencing: Proficiency with DNA and RNA sequencing from cells, fresh and FFPE tissue, and plasma on Illumina NovaSeq6000 and NovaSeq X-plus.
NGS Process Development: Streamline NGS workflows to decrease costs, eliminate errors, and reduce turnaround time.
Assay Development & Tech Transfer: Design new NGS tests, improve performance characteristics of existing assays, develop and execute validation plans.
Team Management & Effective Communication: Proven ability to coordinate and matrix interdisciplinary teams of scientists, technologists, and bioinformaticians to achieve company goals.
Adaptability & Self-Motivation: Proactive and self-driven, with a strong sense of accountability and teamwork. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Supply Chain Management: Monitor and control reagent inventory, usage, to minimize costs.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in NGS clinical test development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record of assay development and tech transfer in high-throughput sequencing laboratories.
Strong knowledge of NGS technologies, bioinformatics, and genomic data analysis.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in clinical genomics.