Program Lead, Catalyst Program

Program Lead, Catalyst Program

Xenium Catalyst is a fee-for-service program that utilizes the industry-leading Xenium in-situ single-cell imaging platform to deliver high-quality, actionable data to researchers, globally. This service supports customers in building a compelling case for instrument adoption or strengthening their grant applications with robust, cutting-edge data.

We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused Program Lead to advance our Catalyst Program. In this cross-disciplinary role you will partner with a matrixed team of wet lab scientists, computational biologists and commercial contributors to successfully deliver Catalyst projects. You will collaborate with the Xenium sales specialists and account managers to guide project qualification, engaging with customers to address their biological questions and technology evaluation needs. Responsibilities include project management and prioritization, as well as overseeing technical feasibility assessments, reviewing data, and collaborating with bioinformaticians to deliver tailored data that align with customer objectives. In addition, you will oversee and optimize Catalyst lab operations to ensure operational excellence in a service-based program with a focus on key pharma accounts. 

The Program Lead will report to the Vice President of Customer Support, and partner closely with the global product management team on program strategy and training.

What you will be doing:

• Engage with customers in a consultative manner to understand their project, timeline and post-project support needs. 
• Clearly communicate technical information and guide project design to meet client technology evaluation requirements. 
• Collaborate with Xenium sales and product management to prioritize projects and support future strategy of the Catalyst program.
• Maintain a consistent feedback loop with R&D teams including regular program updates, ensuring the Catalyst team is informed on the latest developments and has the expertise required for troubleshooting and support.
• Develop project plans tailored to customer needs, define scope, and manage timelines to ensure successful project delivery. Drive project success by managing competing priorities and delivering results within established timelines and customer expectations.
• Serve as a liaison between the customer, the sales team and the project team through the entirety of the project, providing technical expertise, input on data review and troubleshooting issues.
• Identify potential risks, implement mitigation strategies, and track key project metrics to ensure performance aligns with organizational objectives.
• Lead and facilitate post-project after action reviews, to encourage continuous improvement and peak performance across the program. 
• Manage and optimize Catalyst operations for maximum efficiency to best serve internal and external needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience in project management with a customer-first mindset.
• Experience engaging with biotech and pharma accounts, leveraging a deep understanding of their operations and needs to effectively tailor Catalyst project workflows, enhance user experience, and optimize project scope.
• Expertise in multiplexed tissue-based assays; a background in pathology is a plus.
• Strong commercial customer-facing experience with the ability to engage clients, communicate complex technical information, and build strong relationships.
• Strong analytical and technical acumen: In-depth working knowledge and hands-on experience with spatial and in situ technologies, and broad understanding of the biological applications of spatial and in-situ technologies.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in influencing and mentoring diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Self-starter, strategic thinker, and action-driven individual with the ability to adapt to changing directions and methods in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with all levels within the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple project priorities, balance customer expectations, and deliver data within established timelines. 
• Advanced degree in Immunology, Immuno-Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. 
• 5+ years of relevant life sciences or biotechnology industry experience.
• Experience in service lab operations, and implementing customer-facing laboratory consultative services, scientific professional services or service provider services.
• Understanding of spatial genomics & proteomics, as well as in situ sequencing technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and prioritization skills with the passion to solve customer challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in Pathology is strongly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus. 

If you are a collaborative leader who is passionate about advancing biological research through innovative solutions in a service-based setting, we encourage you to apply.

*We highly prefer candidates local to the San Francisco Bay area, however remote candidates will be considered.