Executive Director, Bioinformatics Engineering & Operations

Job Description

The Executive Director of Bioinformatics is a critical senior leadership role charged with architecting the future of diagnostic insights at Quest Diagnostics. This executive will own and execute the global bioinformatics (BFx) strategy, transforming it into a primary engine for business growth for a competitive advantage. The mandate is to capitalize on Quest's unparalleled data assets to not only accelerate the launch of novel diagnostics, but also to pioneer differentiated digital health solutions. This requires a leader who is an innovative strategist, a master of execution, and a catalyst for a culture of scientific rigor. This position is ultimately accountable for translating bioinformatics excellence into measurable commercial success and improved patient outcomes.

This position will be located (hybrid) in one of the following locations: Secaucus, NJ; Marlborough, MA; or Lewisville, TX.

Pay Range: $275,000 - $325,000/year + 30% Annual Incentive Plan + Long-Term Incentive
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
•    Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
•    Best-in-class well-being programs
•    Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
•    healthyMINDS mental health program
•    Vacation and Health/Flex Time
•    6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
•    FinFit financial coaching and services
•    401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
•    Employee stock purchase plan
•    Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
•    Flexible Spending Accounts
•    Annual incentive plans
•    Matching gifts program
•    Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
•    Career advancement opportunities
•    …and so much more!

Responsibilities:

•    Define, own, and execute a multi-year global bioinformatics strategy that directly enables business growth priorities and establishes a clear competitive advantage.
•    Ensure the timely and successful launch of new tests and clinical grade pipelines, establishing a culture of accountability and a relentless focus on delivering results that meet business needs.
•    Partner with Clinical Franchise, R&D, and Commercial leadership to identify and activate new growth opportunities, including novel test launches, digital product development, and entry into new markets.
•    Serve as the executive owner for the bioinformatics and data science portfolio, ensuring all projects align with strategic goals and deliver measurable business value.
•    Translate complex bioinformatics capabilities into clear business cases, presenting strategy, performance metrics, and ROI to the executive leadership team.
•    Lead the architectural vision and modernization of enterprise-scale bioinformatics pipelines, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and fit for purpose across all clinical areas.
•    Drive the integration of advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methodologies to unlock new insights, automate workflows, and enhance diagnostic capabilities.
•    Oversee the development of a secure, compliant, and scalable cloud-based infrastructure for bioinformatics data processing, storage, and analysis.
•    Establish and enforce industry-leading standards for software development, data integrity, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, CAP/CLIA, HIPAA).
•    Lead a global organization of Engineers, Architects, Technical Product Managers, and Data Scientists driving a culture of coaching and mentorship.
•    Attract and retain world-class talent by building a high-performance, agile culture rooted in scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability.
•    Champion a collaborative and matrixed working model, ensuring seamless partnership with Technology, R&D, Medical, and Commercial teams.
•    Cultivate a forward-thinking mindset that embraces change and positions the bioinformatics function as a proactive driver of business strategy.
•    Assume full budget responsibility for the global bioinformatics function, including developing and managing the annual operating budget and long-range financial plans.
•    Direct day-to-day operations to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of all bioinformatics projects and services.
•    Implement and monitor key performance indicators to drive operational efficiency, understanding prioritization, optimize resource allocation, and ensure continuous improvement.
•    Ensure all bioinformatics activities adhere to the highest standards of quality, security, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required in a technology-related or other relevant field.An advanced degree (MS, PhD) is preferred.

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in bioinformatics or a related data-centric discipline.

• A minimum of 10 years in a senior leadership role managing large, global, matrixed teams.

• Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing bioinformatics organizations of 50+ employees and a proven ability to set strategic direction and deliver large-scale, cross-functional initiatives.

• A strong track record of linking data and analytics capabilities to direct business outcomes, such as revenue growth, market expansion, or operational efficiency. Experience managing a profitable P&L or departmental budget.

• Deep, expert-level understanding of modern bioinformatics principles, including NGS data analysis, multi-omics data integration, and clinical-grade pipeline development. Proven experience implementing agile and DevSecOps methodologies at scale.

• Deep familiarity with regulated healthcare environments and data security requirements (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, CAP/CLIA, FDA).

• Extensive experience within the diagnostics, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry. Specific experience in oncology is a plus.

• Proven experience leading a significant business or digital transformation initiative where data and analytics was central to the strategy

• Demonstrated experience architecting and deploying advanced AI/ML models for predictive diagnostics, biomarker discovery, or clinical workflow automation in a commercial setting

• Established reputation in the external bioinformatics community, evidenced by publications, conference presentations, or industry-wide collaborations.

• The ability to travel 30-40%, both domestically and internationally.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.