Director, R&D for Assay Services

Job Type Full-time Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on scientific leader to serve as Director of R&D for the SeQure portfolio, leading an interdisciplinary team in the development and deployment of off-target assessment assays supporting that support cell and gene therapy programs. This role will drive strategy and execution for innovative assay platforms designed to characterize genome editing outcomes and support therapeutic development programs across partner and internal pipelines.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for designing, developing, validating, and transferring advanced off-target detection assays, while also building scalable processes, automation capabilities, and technical transfer strategies to support expanding programs. In addition to setting scientific direction, the Director will remain deeply engaged in experimental design and hands-on laboratory work, ensuring rapid innovation and rigorous scientific execution.

Scientific Leadership and Strategy 

• Define and execute the scientific strategy for MaxCyte’s SeQure portfolio, advancing next-generation assays to detect and characterize genome editing off-target events.  
• Guide the development of robust, scalable assay platforms that support therapeutic development programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies. 
• Evaluate emerging technologies and integrate innovative methodologies to improve sensitivity, throughput, and reliability of off-target detection.
• Contribute to overall R&D strategy and portfolio planning across genome editing and cell therapy applications.

Assay Development and Innovation

• Lead the development and optimization of molecular and genomic assays for detecting and quantifying off-target editing events.
• Design experimental approaches leveraging NGS, molecular biology, and genome editing tools to characterize editing outcomes.
• Establish workflows that generate high-quality datasets supporting therapeutic development and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure assay robustness, reproducibility, and appropriate validation for internal and partner programs

Process Development, Automation, and Tech Transfer

• Build scalable laboratory processes supporting increasing assay throughput.
• Implement automation strategies and high-throughput workflows for assay execution and data generation.
• Lead process development and technology transfer of assays to internal groups, external partners, or CROs.
• Develop standardized protocols and best practices to support reproducibility and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of scientists responsible for assay development and execution.
• Foster a collaborative environment encouraging innovation, scientific rigor, and professional growth.
• Provide hands-on technical mentorship and guidance on experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with internal R&D, process development, and partner teams to support therapeutic programs.
• Interface with external collaborators, CROs, and technology partners.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, publications, and regulatory documentation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• 12+ years of experience in the biotechnology industry.
• 5+ years of experience in managing direct reports.
• Deep expertise in genome editing technologies and off-target analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated success building and leading assay development and platform teams.
• Experience supporting preclinical development programs and regulatory interactions.
• Strong understanding of NGS-based analysis, molecular biology assays, and genome editing workflows.
• Proven ability to translate scientific innovation into robust operational workflows.
• Experience implementing automation and high-throughput assay pipelines.
• Experience managing collaborations with CROs and external research partners.
• Prior experience building teams and technology platforms in early-stage biotech environments.
• Proven ability to independently analyze and interpret complex genomic datasets.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting. 

Preferred Skills

• Experience integrating bioinformatics approaches with experimental assay development to interpret genome editing outcomes and off-target profiles.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality system standards (e.g., GLP, GxP) for bioinformatics data management.
• Experience developing assays that support IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions.
• Track record of scientific publications, patents, or technology development in genome editing or molecular assay platforms.