Role Overview for COO, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, venture-backed molecular diagnostics laboratory at the forefront of personalized medicine. Located in the vibrant biotech hub of San Diego, CA, our client is dedicated to developing and commercializing groundbreaking diagnostic solutions that empower clinicians and improve patient outcomes. With a portfolio of innovative assays and a commitment to scientific excellence, they are poised for exponential growth and market leadership.
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced leader who can translate scientific innovation into operational reality. The COO will be responsible for directing and scaling all laboratory and business operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will be the operational architect of the company’s future, building the infrastructure, processes, and teams necessary to support rapid growth, from R&D pipeline to commercial launch and beyond. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the molecular diagnostics landscape, a proven track record of operational excellence in a high-complexity laboratory environment, and the entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative culture. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare while shaping the trajectory of a rapidly ascending organization.
Key Responsibilities of COO, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory – San Diego, CA
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic oversight, day-to-day management, and long-term planning. You will be the key driver of operational strategy and execution, working closely with the CEO, CSO, and other executive team members.
Strategic Leadership and Execution
- Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan, translating long-term vision into actionable operational goals and objectives.
- Provide critical operational input on new product development, market expansion strategies, and potential mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards to monitor operational performance, drive accountability, and inform strategic decisions across the organization.
- Lead the scaling of all operations to support commercial product launches, increased testing volume, and expansion into new markets, ensuring infrastructure and processes are robust and scalable.
Operational and Laboratory Management
- Direct all day-to-day operations of the company, including laboratory services, supply chain management, logistics, quality assurance, customer support, and information technology.
- Implement best-in-class operational processes, including Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies, to optimize workflows, reduce turn-around times, and minimize costs without compromising quality.
- Oversee the management of our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, ensuring efficient space utilization, equipment maintenance, and adherence to all safety protocols.
- Develop and manage a resilient and cost-effective supply chain for all critical reagents, consumables, and instrumentation, mitigating risks and ensuring business continuity.
Financial Performance and P&L Management
- Assume full P&L responsibility for all laboratory and operational departments, driving profitability and sustainable financial health.
- Lead the annual budgeting and financial forecasting process for operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and fiscal discipline.
- Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency gains, and revenue enhancement.
- Oversee capital expenditure planning and asset management to support technological advancement and capacity expansion.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Champion a culture of unwavering quality and compliance throughout the organization, ensuring all activities meet the highest industry standards.
- Ensure the laboratory maintains full compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including deep familiarity with CLIA and CAP regulations, as well as FDA, NYS-DOH, and ISO standards.
- Oversee the Quality Management System (QMS), directing all quality control, quality assurance, and process improvement initiatives.
- Serve as the primary operational contact during regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring successful outcomes.
Team Leadership and Organizational Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior operational leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Implement robust talent management strategies, including performance management, succession planning, and professional development programs to build organizational capability.
- Drive employee engagement and create a positive, inclusive work environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
- Structure and build the operational teams to effectively support the company’s growth trajectory.
Requirements for the COO, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory – San Diego, CA
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the diagnostics industry and a passion for building great companies. This role demands a unique blend of scientific understanding, operational expertise, and strategic business acumen.
Educational Background
- An advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., M.D.) in a relevant life sciences field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry) is strongly preferred.
- An MBA or equivalent business degree in addition to a scientific background is highly desirable.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within the clinical diagnostics, life sciences, or biotechnology industry.
- At least 7 years of experience in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a high-complexity CLIA/CAP certified laboratory.
- Demonstrable experience successfully scaling laboratory operations from an R&D or early-commercial stage to high-volume production.
- Proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Experience in both startup and established corporate settings is a plus.
Skills and Competencies
Expert Knowledge
Deep technical understanding of molecular diagnostics technologies, including NGS, qPCR, and other genomic/proteomic platforms.
Regulatory Acumen
Comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory landscape governing clinical laboratories and in vitro diagnostics (IVD).
Financial Expertise
Strong financial literacy with extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and financial modeling.
Operational Excellence
Expertise in laboratory automation, LIMS implementation, process optimization, and quality management systems.
Strategic Thinker
Ability to think critically and strategically, balancing long-term vision with short-term execution.
Leadership Presence
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to inspire and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the lab bench to the boardroom.
Problem Solver
Decisive and results-oriented with a data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of their employees.
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus.
Equity Participation
A meaningful stock option package, providing a tangible stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous PTO policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the San Diego area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, conferences, and continuing education to support your growth.
Work Environment
An innovative, collaborative, and mission-driven culture with state-of-the-art facilities.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative operational leader ready to drive the next phase of growth for a leader in molecular diagnostics, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Molecular Technologist Recruiters practice area page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
