R&D Team Lead – Molecular Diagnostics

R&D Team Lead – Molecular Diagnostics

Location: Norcross, GE

Company: Hypercell Technologies

Position Type: Full-time

Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

About Hypercell Technologies

Hypercell Technologies is an innovative biotechnology startup developing rapid, simple, and accurate point-of-care diagnostic solutions for food safety, animal health, plant health, environmental monitoring, and public health. Our technologies combine novel sample preparation approaches with molecular detection methods to deliver accurate pathogen detection directly at the point of need. We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated R&D Team Lead to help drive the development of next-generation diagnostic products and build a strong research culture within our growing company.

Position Summary

The R&D Team Lead will oversee scientific projects from concept to product development, manage day-to-day research activities, and mentor junior scientists and research associates. This role requires a hands-on scientist with strong leadership skills, excellent communication, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate is highly autonomous, resourceful, and capable of thinking creatively to solve complex problems. They are comfortable wearing multiple hats and collaborating across disciplines to accelerate innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate R&D activities and scientific projects.
• Mentor and manage research staff, interns, and junior scientists.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• Develop and optimize new sample preparation technologies.
• Develop and validate new molecular diagnostic assays.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate findings to leadership.
• Establish SOPs and maintain rigorous documentation practices.
• Identify technical challenges and implement innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and commercial teams to transition products from development to commercialization.
• Contribute to grant applications, scientific publications, and intellectual property generation.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performance research environment.

Qualifications

Required

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years (Ph.D.) or 5+ years (M.S.) of industry or applied research experience.
• Hands-on experience with molecular diagnostics.
• Strong background in microbiology, primer design and pathogen detection.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to think outside the box.
• Flexible and adaptable in a startup environment.

Preferred

• Experience developing point-of-care diagnostic products.
• Knowledge of food safety, animal health, environmental, or clinical diagnostics.
• Experience with assay validation and product commercialization.
• Familiarity with lyophilization, reagent formulation, or sample concentration technologies.
• Experience with grant writing, publications, or patent development.
• Previous experience leading cross-functional teams.

What We Value

We are looking for someone who is:

• A confident and decisive scientific leader.
• Highly autonomous and accountable.
• Resourceful and creative in solving problems.
• Curious and driven by innovation.
• A strong communicator and mentor.
• Comfortable working across multiple disciplines.
• A collaborative team player who helps others succeed.
• Excited by the challenges and opportunities of a startup environment.

Why Join Hypercell? - Strategic Leadership Opportunity

At Hypercell Technologies, you will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on technologies that improve food safety, animal health, environmental monitoring, and public health. As an early team member, you will help shape the future of our company and bring innovative diagnostics to markets where speed, simplicity, and accessibility matter most. This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the scientific and strategic direction of Hypercell Technologies. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Scientific Officer and serve as a key leader within the company. Beyond leading R&D activities, this individual will play an active role in technical, product development, and operational decisions that drive the growth and success of Hypercell. We are seeking someone who is excited to contribute not only as a scientist, but also as a trusted partner and leader helping build the future of Hypercell Technologies. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume describing their relevant experience.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person