Manager Technical Operations - Research Triangle Park

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Job description

GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is focused on alleviating the global burden of cancer by developing pioneering technology to detect and identify multiple deadly cancer types early. The company is using the power of next-generation sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop its multi-cancer early detection blood test. GRAIL is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. GRAIL, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN). For more information, please visit .

GRAIL is seeking a Manager to lead Technical Operations in North Carolina, who will be primarily responsible for troubleshooting Lab Operations activities and ensuring the efficient execution of GRAIL production assays. The candidate will be leading the development and growth of the Technical Operations team in North Carolina, including staffing and training on various evolving GRAIL assays and workflows. The ideal candidate is a meticulous, dynamic team player with deep experience in executing and troubleshooting automated NGS assay execution in a regulated environment. The candidate is encouraged to partner with many functions of our organization, including Automation, Product Development, Software, Quality, Supply Chain, Biosample Operations, and the Clinical Lab, to track tasks and investigations, and delegate work to direct reports. This candidate will play an instrumental role in the implementation of the Technical Operations team.
You will:

• Develop and Manage day-to-day Technical Operations team in North Carolina
• Accountable for triage, investigation, management, and resolution of issues arising in RTP operations
• Become an expert on current production assays and implementation of new workflows
• Contribute to and troubleshoot and optimization of manufacturing processes, automated assays, and test methods
• Led cross-functional teams in planning, execution, and documentation of experiments for troubleshooting commercial NGS workflows
• Find opportunities for operational improvements and optimization
• Lead implementation of changes in material, process, or specifications in coordination with Quality and departmental owners
• Provide technical leadership to project teams and ensure accurate record keeping
• Actively participate and engage in the development, transfer, and implementation of new assays and technologies
• Coordinate cross-site functional reviews

You qualifications and background will include:

• Demonstrated success in technical leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration with others. Experience in IVD or assay development in a regulated environment is desired.
• B.Sc in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or related field, an advanced degree strongly preferred with 6 years of relevant experience
• 4+ years of experience in Next Generation Sequencing assays and workflows
• 2+ years of direct management experience having hired, trained, and led high performing teams in a fast-paced production-like environment
• Experience with automated sample preparation workflows
• Familiarity with nucleic acids extraction techniques and quantification devices
• (e.g., Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, Fragment Analyzer, ddPCR)
• Strong working knowledge and established expertise in clinical diagnostics, medical devices, or equivalent
• Practical knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing sample preparation workflows and applications preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and willingness to collaborate cross-functionally across Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Development teams
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Demonstrated success in overseeing a department or function, with direct impact on scientific, service metrics, and financial results
• Understanding of project management processes and Lean Six-Sigma methodologies is strongly preferred
• Technical leadership, self-direction, and willingness to both teach others and learn new techniques is highly desirable
• General computer skills and proficiency in GSuite

GRAIL is an Equal Employment Office and Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We will reasonably accommodate all individuals with disabilities so that they can participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact u s to request accommodation.

Following extensive monitoring, research, consideration of business implications, and advice from internal and external experts, GRAIL has made the decision to require all U.S. employees receive the COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of employment. "Full vaccination" is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks since a single-dose vaccine has been administered. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.