Job Overview
TUMI Genomics is seeking an experienced and scientifically driven Laboratory Director to lead our plant pathogen diagnostic testing laboratory. This is a high-impact molecular science leadership role that requires deep, hands-on expertise in PCR-based IVD assay development, troubleshooting, and validation. Our lab specializes in molecular detection of viral, fungal, and viroid pathogens in plant tissue — with a primary focus on cannabis — as well as environmental testing of growing media, water, air, and surface swab samples.
The ideal candidate combines a strong molecular biology foundation with the diagnostic mindset needed to translate bench science into reliable, high-throughput testing. This is not a purely administrative role: we are looking for someone energized by difficult molecular problems, creative in assay design, and willing to personally troubleshoot when results don't behave.
Equally important is the ability to lead people well. The Laboratory Director must bring the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to build trust, navigate team dynamics, and champion continuous improvement in a constructive, respectful, and motivating way.
Responsibilities
1. Scientific Leadership & Assay Development
Serve as the laboratory's primary molecular biology expert and the go-to resource for all PCR-based and nucleic acid diagnostic operations. Own the scientific integrity of the full assay portfolio — ensuring all PCR, qPCR, and TaqMan assays perform within established acceptance criteria — and personally lead the investigation and resolution of control failures, anomalous amplification, inhibition issues, primer/probe design problems, and other technical deviations.
- Design, develop, optimize, and formally validate new PCR/qPCR assays for detection of emerging plant pathogens (viruses, viroids, fungi), including primer/probe design, in silico specificity analysis, and analytical sensitivity/specificity characterization.
- Oversee nucleic acid extraction workflows across all sample matrices (plant tissue, water, air, swabs) and ensure extraction chemistry is fit-for-purpose and optimized for each matrix.
- Evaluate and implement emerging molecular technologies and diagnostic platforms; maintain current knowledge of advances in IVD assay development and plant pathogen biology.
2. Quality Systems & Compliance
Build and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) encompassing SOPs, work instructions, and QC documentation. Oversee all laboratory QC activities — positive/negative controls, internal standards, reagent lot qualification, and instrument performance tracking — and lead root cause analysis and CAPA processes for out-of-specification results and non-conformances.
- Ensure laboratory operations align with applicable regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., ISO 17025, USDA audit requirements).
- Manage proficiency testing programs, external audits, and inspection preparation.
- Develop and enforce data integrity practices, including second-person review and electronic data audit procedures.
3. Laboratory Operations & Workflow Optimization
Structure and continuously improve laboratory workflows to maximize throughput, minimize turnaround time, and reduce error rates. Collaborate with the Lab Manager and operations team on sample intake, tracking, processing, and reporting processes. Oversee the physical organization of the lab space, including storage, waste management, and biosafety compliance.
- Identify and drive efficiency improvements through process redesign, automation, and software tools (LIMS, data management systems).
- Partner with the Lab Manager on procurement decisions, vendor relationships, and reagent/equipment lifecycle management.
- Oversee equipment qualification, calibration, and preventive maintenance scheduling for all laboratory instrumentation.
4. Team Leadership & Development
Directly supervise the Laboratory Manager, providing mentorship, clear role definition, and performance guidance. Support the Lab Manager in overseeing Laboratory Technicians — including workload allocation, training, and daily operational support. Lead process improvement initiatives in an inclusive, collaborative manner that invites input and builds team buy-in.
- Foster a culture of scientific rigor, psychological safety, continuous improvement, and professional development throughout the team.
- Navigate team conflict and interpersonal dynamics with maturity and fairness; address issues proactively before they affect cohesion or lab performance.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance review processes for all laboratory personnel.
5. Scientific Strategy & External Contributions
Partner with the Chief Science Officer on scientific strategy, new service development, and organizational growth. Contribute scientific expertise to client-facing reports, technical summaries, and regulatory submissions. Stay current with evolving regulatory requirements for cannabis testing, plant pathology, and molecular diagnostics.
- Identify opportunities to expand the laboratory's testing menu and service offerings.
- Contribute to publications, white papers, and conference presentations that support TUMI Genomics' scientific thought leadership.
Qualifications
Required
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a closely related field with 1–3 years of post-doctoral experience demonstrating a strong molecular methods focus; OR a Master's degree with 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in molecular diagnostics, IVD assay development, or applied molecular biology research.
- Deep, hands-on expertise in PCR-based molecular methods — conventional PCR, real-time qPCR, and TaqMan probe-based assays — with a demonstrable ability to troubleshoot chemistry, instrumentation, and workflow failures at a mechanistic level.
- Proven track record of developing and validating IVD or research-grade molecular assays from concept through formal validation: primer/probe design, sensitivity/specificity characterization, and matrix-specific optimization.
- Research background demonstrating creative, persistent problem-solving with challenging molecular procedures — not just running established protocols, but getting hard assays to work.
- Solid understanding of nucleic acid extraction across diverse biological matrices (plant tissue, environmental samples, swabs, water, air).
- Experience supervising or mentoring laboratory staff, with demonstrated ability to structure and develop a team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Preferred
- Experience with LIMS and digital data management tools.
- Experience with assay validation frameworks in a quality-controlled setting (e.g., ISO 17025 or equivalent).
- Publication record or professional presentations in relevant scientific fields.
Leadership & Interpersonal Competencies
We consider the following qualities as important as technical qualifications for this role:
- Exceptional attention to detail — accuracy of results depends on a director who holds themselves and the team to a high standard of precision.
- Organizational discipline — ability to manage concurrent priorities (assay development, QC oversight, team management, inventory, reporting) without dropping critical details.
- Emotional intelligence and maturity — manages their own responses effectively in high-pressure situations such as repeated control failures, tight turnaround demands, or team conflict.
- Constructive approach to change — introduces process improvements in a way that acknowledges existing contributions, invites input, and builds buy-in rather than resistance.
- Collaborative leadership — leads by example, earns trust through consistency and competence, and creates an environment where people feel comfortable raising concerns and suggesting ideas.
- Adaptability and composure — remains calm and analytical when results are unexpected or workflows break down; models steady, solution-focused behavior.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
- 25 days of PTO accrued per year, 6 paid holidays, flexible schedule
- A collaborative, science-driven environment at the intersection of molecular diagnostics and cannabis industry innovation
- Opportunity to build and shape a growing laboratory program with direct impact on cannabis supply chain safety and quality
- Meaningful equity participation in a growth-stage company
- Direct partnership with senior scientific leadership and meaningful input into organizational strategy
TUMI Genomics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Pay: $92,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Education:
Ability to Commute:
- Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Required)
Work Location: In person
