Job Title: Principal Scientist

Work Location: Durham County, North Carolina

Summary:

Seeking an experienced Clinical Microbiologist to lead the clinical development of rapid diagnostic assays and platforms. This role involves hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and leadership in advancing diagnostic technologies in clinical microbiology.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, execution, and analysis of experiments for rapid diagnostic assay development and validation.
• Guide and collaborate with cross-functional teams on research, development, engineering, and regulatory matters.
• Oversee laboratory safety, quality control, and compliance with regulatory standards for laboratory activities.
• Provide technical leadership in pathogen identification, susceptibility testing, and assay optimization.
• Participate in strategic planning, goal setting, and milestone tracking for diagnostic platform projects.
• Supervise and mentor new staff and interns, ensuring effective technical training and knowledge transfer.
• Engage with external partners, investors, and advisory boards, representing scientific and technical interests.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures for new tests and workflows.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology or a related field with a focus on clinical microbiology.
• Board certification or eligibility as a Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) preferred; MSCP(M) certification required if not D(ABMM).
• Minimum 3 years of clinical or industry diagnostic experience post-graduate, including subspecialty medical training.
• Expertise in microbial pathogen identification and susceptibility testing methodologies.
• Proven leadership experience in microbiology teams and diagnostic platform development.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI tools and computational methods for scientific insight and experimental design.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements in the diagnostics industry.
• Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory environment with chemicals and reagents.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, evolving environment and under pressure.
• Track record of professional achievements, such as publications, presentations, or commercial successes.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to operate independently while maintaining strong collaboration with key stakeholders.

Published Category: Discovery Research & Preclinical