Technical Director – R&D

Labcorp is a global leader in laboratory services, providing the insights and answers that help healthcare providers, patients, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve outcomes. Through our unparalleled science, data, technology and laboratory network, we advance diagnostics, accelerate innovation and help address some of the world’s most important health challenges. As we shape the future of healthcare, we are leveraging advanced technologies, intelligent digital solutions and data-driven innovation across our operations to enhance how work gets done and deliver greater value to customers and patients. With our global scale and deep expertise, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, grow your career and make a real impact on people’s health around the world. Together, we’re improving health and improving lives.

Labcorp is seeking a Technical Director – R&D to join our team in San Diego, CA!

Job Responsibilities:

The Technical Director, Research & Development is a strategic scientific leader responsible for driving the development and execution of innovative molecular diagnostic products and technologies across the full R&D lifecycle, from concept generation and experimental design through validation and transfer to clinical operations.

This role leads and develops high-performing scientific teams while providing technical expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS), highly automated laboratory workflows, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) technologies that can be applied to prenatal, and related diagnostic applications.

The Technical Director is responsible for identifying and translating emerging scientific advances into differentiated products, maintaining deep awareness of competitor activities, technology trends, and market dynamics, and shaping portfolio and innovation strategies that sustain competitive advantage and market leadership within cross disciplinary teams. Working collaboratively across Research, Clinical Operations, Bioinformatics, Quality, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and Commercial functions, this individual influences critical decisions, drives cross-functional alignment, and applies strong scientific, strategic, and operational leadership to bring impactful diagnostic solutions to market within a CAP/CLIA-regulated environment.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or engineering with 15 or more years of experience in research and development and CAP/CLIA clinical diagnostics laboratory

• 5 or more years of experience as a Supervisor, Manager or Director

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate of Science in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or engineering

• 10 or more years of experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, including assay development, workflow optimization, bioinformatic analysis, and translation of sequencing innovations into clinical diagnostic products.

• 5 or more years of experience with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) biology and analysis, including fetal fraction assessment, assay performance characterization, data interpretation, and the application of cfDNA technologies to prenatal, oncology, and other molecular diagnostics.

Additional Job Standards

• Ability to oversee and manage research projects through the R&D lifecycle – from experimental design through the transfer of optimized and developed products to the Operations laboratories. 

• Ability to demonstrate capacity for leadership, effective communication, and delivery of constructive feedback. 

• Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature within and outside own area of expertise. 

• Excellent writing abilities as well as creating and delivering presentations for a variety of audiences, internal and external to the organization. 

• Demonstrated experience developing and scaling highly automated sample processing and laboratory workflows, with expertise in liquid handling systems, process robustness, and throughput optimization.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

At Labcorp, you can expect the following:

• Innovative Environment: Join a leading healthcare organization committed to driving innovation through internal development to help improve health and improve lives.

• Collaborative Culture: Work in a dynamic, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration.

Application window open through: 07/24/2026

Pay Range: $190k - $210k annually (USD)

All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. The position is also eligible for an annual bonus under the Labcorp Bonus Plan. Bonuses are payable based on corporate and/or business segment performance and are subject to individual performance modifiers. Compensation may also include discretionary short- and long-term incentive packages.

Benefits: Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees are only eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Employees who are regularly scheduled to work a 7 on/7 off schedule are eligible to receive all the foregoing benefits except PTO or FTO. For more detailed information, please click here. 

Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law. 

We encourage all to apply

If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance using our online tools to search and apply for jobs, or needs an accommodation, please visit our accessibility site or contact us at Labcorp Accessibility. For more information about how we collect and store your personal data, please see our Privacy Statement.