Senior Director, Research Strategy and Operations (Core Team Leader)

Tempus AI•Chicago, IL

4d•$192,000 - $264,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Tempus AI is seeking an experienced Core Team Leader (CTL) to support its growing product portfolio. The CTL serves as the leader of the product development lifecycle, with accountability for executing and commercially launching complex regulated diagnostic products. The role leads a cross-functional Core Team spanning R&D, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Software, and Operations, guiding products from concept through commercialization. This is a matrix leadership role. The CTL partners with a Product Manager responsible for market strategy and a Project Manager responsible for tactical schedules, while providing strategic alignment, operational oversight, and decision-making authority. The CTL identifies and escalates project risks and root causes, clarifies expectations, and works with other teams to secure the resources needed to meet project objectives and timelines. The role leads Stage-Gate reviews, supports resource allocation and portfolio alignment, champions development processes compliant with Design Control and ISO 13485, and guides products through applicable LDT, 510(k), or PMA pathways. It also oversees the transition from R&D to Clinical Lab Operations, ensuring workflows are scalable and ready for commercial volume, and connects technical development with the Commercial organization.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or MS) in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Engineering.
At least 10 years of experience in the life sciences or diagnostics industry.
At least 4 years serving as a Core Team Leader, Product Development Lead, or Program Director in a matrixed environment.
Deep experience in Oncology Diagnostics, NGS, or Liquid Biopsy.
Expert knowledge of phased-gate or Stage-Gate development cycles.
High emotional intelligence and communication skills, including the ability to manage executive stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and guide senior functional experts who do not report to the role.
Ability to communicate effectively with both R&D scientists and Commercial leaders.
Focus on manufacturability and operational scalability, in addition to scientific development.

Nice To Haves

MBA.
Experience navigating FDA Class II/III medical device development, including PMA or 510(k).

Responsibilities

Serve as the single point of accountability for the development lifecycle and delivery against the Target Product Profile and product requirements within the defined timeline.
Lead a cross-functional Core Team of functional leaders without direct line authority, aligning teams with competing priorities and incentives.
Ensure the project's technical and clinical vision is understood and executed across technical teams, preventing scope creep and strategic drift.
Identify and resolve friction between functional groups, facilitating constructive debate and timely, data-driven decisions.
Lead Stage-Gate Reviews and synthesize technical, clinical, and operational information into actionable business narratives for leadership.
Identify critical-path risks and drive trade-off decisions involving scope, timeline, and resources; escalate structural blockers when necessary.
Collaborate with functional leaders on resource allocation and alignment with broader portfolio priorities.
Champion development processes compliant with Design Control (21 CFR 820) and ISO 13485, and guide teams through LDT, 510(k), or PMA pathways.
Oversee the transition from R&D to Clinical Lab Operations, ensuring the order-to-result workflow is robust, scalable, and ready for commercial volume.
Link technical development with the Commercial organization so technical milestones translate into market-ready value propositions.
Escalate project risks and root causes in real time, clarify expectations, and advocate for the resources required to meet project objectives and timelines.