Sr Manager R&D, qPCR

Job Description :

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Position Summary

Do you have a passion for innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries With over $1 billion invested annually in R&D, at Thermo Fisher Scientific you'll help solve some of the world's toughest challenges, from giving cancer patients hope, ensuring safe drinking water and helping law enforcement tackle cases through forensics.

The Senior Manager, qPCR will lead a team of scientists within Thermo Fisher Scientific's Genetic Sciences R&D division. This role provides both technical and people leadership, setting the strategic direction for qPCR assay and workflow innovation to advance Thermo Fisher's product portfolio and customer solutions. The ideal candidate is a collaborative scientific leader who combines deep molecular biology expertise with experience in leading teams, driving innovation, and results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a group of scientists passionate about qPCR assay development, optimization, and validation
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, and workflow integration.
• Develop scientific curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management to advance products from concept through commercialization.
• Drive innovation in assay chemistry, multiplexing strategies, and automation to enhance performance, scalability, and customer experience.
• Review and approve technical reports, validation summaries, and design documentation supporting regulatory submissions and design control.
• Act as a key technical representative in portfolio planning, technical reviews, and customer collaborations.
• Maintain strong communication and alignment between scientific teams and leadership, providing data-driven insights that shape business and product strategy.
• Ensure full compliance with quality systems, safety standards, and regulatory requirements (ISO, GLP, CLIA).

Qualifications

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field with 10+ years shown experience, including 3+ years in a leadership or people management role or M.S. with 12+ years of R&D experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated success leading technical teams and managing multiple R&D projects
• Deep expertise in qPCR assay development (probe-based and multiplex formats), workflow design, and data interpretation.
• Consistent record of technical innovation, strategic project execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with Thermo Fisher Scientific qPCR platforms and chemistries (QuantStudio, TaqMan, MagMAX) strongly preferred.
• Experience working in regulated environments

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills with the ability to build and inspire teams.
• Deep understanding of molecular biology principles, qPCR kinetics, and assay optimization methodologies.
• Ability ability to translate technical insights into actionable business outcomes and innovation strategy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in experimental design and statistical interpretation.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a focus on developing talent and delivering results across a matrixed organization.
• Strategic approach with a balance of scientific depth, and competitor awareness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NGS workflows, or emerging nucleic acid detection technologies.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical partnerships or external collaborations.

Benefits

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!