Job Description: Head of R&D (In‑Situ Hybridization)

Location: Northern Germany
Company: Leading Diagnostics Company
Department: Research & Development
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

A leading diagnostics company are searching to appoint a highly skilled and visionary Head of R&D (In‑Situ Hybridization). This is a strategic, high‑impact role overseeing innovation, technology development, and scientific excellence across the full ISH product portfolio.

As the Head of R&D, you will shape long‑term scientific direction, lead a multidisciplinary team, and drive the development of advanced ISH technologies that support cutting‑edge diagnostic solutions. Candidates must be based in Northern Germany, as regular on‑site leadership presence is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic R&D Leadership

• Develop and execute the R&D strategy for ISH technologies in alignment with corporate objectives, market needs, and regulatory expectations.
• Provide scientific and strategic leadership to interdisciplinary R&D teams across molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, engineering, and assay development.
• Oversee complex portfolios, ensuring strong prioritization, resource planning, and timely delivery.

Technology & Product Innovation

• Lead innovation across modern ISH technologies, including ISH, FISH, RNA‑ISH, and multiplex formats.
• Guide all phases of product development: feasibility, design, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure the scientific robustness and technological competitiveness of all ISH pipeline activities.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Oversee program governance, timelines, budgets, and risk management across multiple simultaneous development tracks.
• Ensure effective alignment and collaboration with Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Product Management, and Commercial teams.

Stakeholder Communication & Team Leadership

• Communicate complex topics clearly and confidently at senior management and stakeholder level.
• Mentor, develop, and inspire high‑performing R&D teams; cultivate a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Represent R&D in cross‑functional decision‑making and strategic planning.

Regulatory & Quality Alignment

• Support compliance with diagnostic regulatory frameworks, especially IVDR, across all R&D outputs and documentation.
• Collaborate closely with regulatory and quality functions to ensure readiness for audits, submissions, and product claims.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Completed university degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a comparable scientific discipline.
• PhD strongly preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Experience in in‑situ hybridization (ISH) with proven accountability for both technology development and product development.
• Deep understanding of ISH methodologies, including FISH, RNA‑ISH, multiplex assays, and related platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of diagnostic technology development and assay commercialization.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Demonstrated experience leading interdisciplinary R&D teams and complex scientific programs.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong project management abilities with strategic prioritization, planning, and resource allocation skills.

Regulatory Knowledge

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in diagnostics, ideally including IVDR experience.

Languages

• German and English at C1 level (CEFR).

Location Requirement

• Must be based in Northern Germany, with the ability to be regularly on‑site for team leadership and project execution.