Senior Research Manager, Microbiology, R&D

Neogen Corporation • Oakdale, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Neogen is seeking an individual for a Senior Research Manager, Microbiology R&D. This individual will lead a team of scientists and technicians responsible for the development, optimization, and lifecycle support of microbiological diagnostic products. The role requires broad technical understanding of culture based thin film media, molecular diagnostic assay development, and diagnostic consumables sufficient to guide technical strategy, evaluate recommendations, remove barriers, and ensure high-quality execution. This leader will establish priorities, develop team capability, allocate resources, and drive delivery across new product development, process scale up, technology transfer, and sustaining initiatives in partnership with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management.

Requirements

• PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least eight years of relevant industry experience, or a master’s degree with at least twelve years of relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years of industry experience with food microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology
• Extensive experience with BSL1 and BSL2 cultures, enrichment methods and microbial detection
• Broad experience in microbiological diagnostic product development, including culture based thin film media, molecular diagnostic assays, or diagnostic consumables.
• Proven ability to guide technical teams, assess scientific recommendations, manage risks, and enable data driven decision making.
• Previous formalized team management experience and documented cross-functional team collaboration.
• Strong communication, collaboration, coaching, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining quality and scientific rigor.

Nice To Haves

• Cultural Savvy: Demonstrates and lives One Neogen Pillars of Trust; Openness, Honesty, Respect, Credibility and Service through all actions, behaviors, and communication. Consistently embodies Pillars and fosters a culture and environment of trust.
• Communication: Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media. Varies message based on audience. Actively listens to all team, peer and leadership while fostering collaboration.
• Leading Others: Delegates tasks appropriately to enhance individual and team effectiveness. Leverages team members unique differences to drive performance and plan for the future.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Sees opportunities for innovative problem solving. Generates unique, workable, and useful solutions to difficult problems. Ensures team has information and tools necessary to make decisions.
• Driving Performance: Drivers performance within team. Utilizes time and resources effectively. Creates accountability for Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), seeks innovative solutions and sets priority standards.
• Organizational Strategy: Is the expert in their function and uses understanding of the organization to help drive performance. Stays abreast of industry and market trends. Translates information effectively to team and aligns team goals to organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop high-performing team of scientists for work supporting prioritized business efforts and champion career development for direct reports.
• Guide the team in assessing and developing technical solutions using analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Support new product development while also working on process development improvements with cross-functional teams in R&D and the manufacturing plants
• Support patent development and technology scouting related to portfolio optimization.
• Establish and manage external collaborations to advance technical capabilities and evaluate new product or technology opportunities.
• Represent the organization at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and technical forums to promote scientific leadership and maintain awareness of emerging trends.
• Other duties as may be assigned by management

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior