Molecular Virology Project Leader

Molecular Virology Project Leader

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Location: Lenexa, KS

Job Summary and Purpose:

The Molecular Virology Team Leader provides scientific and operational leadership for molecular virology activities supporting animal health diagnostics, research, and vaccine programs. This role requires expertise in virology, molecular biology, and livestock production systems (avian, swine, and/or bovine) to support the development, evaluation, and implementation of current and next-generation vaccine technologies and diagnostic tools. The position is responsible for leading the Molecular Virology Team, directing key projects, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality scientific, diagnostic, and technical outcomes that support organizational objectives. Strong leadership, collaboration, and project management skills are essential to drive team performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities and Key Duties:

Laboratory Management, Supervision & Departmental Collaboration:

Lead and manage Molecular Virology operations, ensuring efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance, staff development, quality management, and achievement of departmental objectives, including:
• Lead and oversee the Molecular Virology Team, ensuring efficient operations and alignment with departmental goals.
• Manage project planning and execution, including establishing priorities, timelines, resource allocation, and budget oversight.
• Maintain and oversee the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for Molecular Virology testing, case tracking, and data integrity.
• Ensure the delivery of accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostic test results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate team coordination and accountability by leading regular meetings, monitoring progress, and aligning activities with established objectives and deadlines.
• Address and resolve operational, technical, and cross-functional challenges to support effective laboratory performance and collaboration.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop staff, fostering technical expertise, professional growth, and a positive team culture.
• Ensure compliance, consistency, and quality in laboratory operations through oversight of staff training programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality management practices.

Professional and Scientific Development:
• Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic, research, and industry partners to support the acquisition and evaluation of novel reagents, pathogen isolates, technologies, disease models, and diagnostic assays.
• Participate in professional and scientific conferences, workshops, and meetings to remain current on emerging scientific developments, technologies, and industry best practices.
• Present scientific data and research findings at professional meetings and industry events to enhance organizational visibility and support the promotion of company research and products.
• Collaborate with CEVA's global scientific and technical teams on international projects, fostering knowledge exchange, technical alignment, and the sharing of best practices across the organization.

Team Collaboration:

Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Research & Development (R&D), Industrial Operations, Sales and Marketing, Quality Control, and Scientific/Product Support, to support organizational objectives and the successful development, transfer, and implementation of technologies and products, including:
• Provide technical training and support during the transfer of technologies, methods, and associated data to Sales and Marketing, Production, Quality Control, and other operational departments.
• Lead and support cross-functional projects related to R&D, Industrial Operations, and Scientific/Product Support activities, ensuring timely execution and achievement of project objectives.
• Prepare, review, and approve scientific protocols, reports, and other technical documentation to support research, development, and operational functions.
• Develop and deliver technical training materials and educational programs for internal stakeholders to ensure knowledge transfer and effective implementation of new technologies, processes, and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating adaptability in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Core Competencies:

Shape solutions out of complexity
• Analyzes complex situations and determines the most effective approach based on available information and changing priorities.
• Adjusts methods, processes, and tactics while maintaining alignment with overall goals and strategic objectives.
• Demonstrates adaptability by responding effectively to diverse situations, challenges, and stakeholder needs.
• Applies sound judgment and problem-solving skills to achieve successful outcomes in dynamic environments.

Client focus
• Understands the needs and priorities of internal and external customers.
• Considers the impact of decisions and actions from the customer's perspective.
• Delivers high-quality, timely, and reliable results that meet stakeholder expectations.
• Builds trust and credibility through responsive and customer-oriented service.

Collaborate with empathy
• Works cooperatively with colleagues and actively supports team goals and decisions.
• Fosters a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Maintains open communication and keeps team members informed of relevant developments and activities.
• Shares knowledge, information, and resources to support collective success.

Engage and develop
• Applies scientific expertise, experience, and critical thinking to evaluate current situations and identify effective solutions.
• Leverages knowledge of established theories, methodologies, and emerging trends to inform decision-making.
• Encourages continuous learning, professional growth, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Supports staff development through coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback.

Drive ambition and accountability
• Takes ownership of responsibilities and consistently delivers high-quality work.
• Monitors performance, evaluates results, and ensures work meets established standards and objectives.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Holds self and others accountable for achieving results, meeting deadlines, and maintaining quality standards.

Influence others
• Communicates expectations, goals, and technical information clearly and effectively.
• Provides guidance, training, and coaching to support employee development and performance.
• Builds consensus and gains commitment through expertise, credibility, and constructive engagement.
• Offers practical recommendations and solutions that help others achieve successful outcomes.

Technical / Functional Competencies:
• Molecular Biology: Advanced knowledge of molecular biology principles and techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-PCR, assay development, and other modern molecular diagnostic methodologies.
• Virology: Strong understanding of viral diseases affecting swine and poultry, including pathogen biology, epidemiology, and disease diagnostics. Demonstrated expertise in the design, validation, implementation, and interpretation of molecular and virological diagnostic assays.
• Project Management: Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects concurrently. Skilled in resource allocation, timeline management, risk mitigation, and delivering project objectives within established deadlines and budgets.
• Technical Writing: Proficient in preparing scientific reports, regulatory submissions, USDA documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation reports, and peer-reviewed publications with accuracy, clarity, and technical rigor.
• Independent Work and Continuous Learning: Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound scientific judgment, and proactively expand technical knowledge to stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and scientific advancements.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences, including laboratory staff, stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and leadership teams.
• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, foster collaboration, and promote a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Skilled in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating complex scientific data to support diagnostic, research, and operational decision-making.

Qualifications:

Education -
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field.
• M.S. in Molecular Biology or related discipline preferred, with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in science-related field, with 15+ years of experience in diagnostic.

Work Experience -
• Diagnostic Testing and Assay Development: Extensive experience in veterinary diagnostics, including the application of molecular biology and virology techniques for the detection, characterization, and analysis of pathogens affecting avian, swine, and bovine species. Demonstrated expertise in the development, validation, and implementation of molecular diagnostic assays to support disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and animal health programs.
• Project Management: Proven track record of leading complex scientific and operational projects from conception through completion. Experienced in developing project plans, establishing priorities and timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources and budgets, and ensuring project deliverables align with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Data and Laboratory Information Management: Strong experience managing laboratory data and information systems, including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Skilled in maintaining data integrity, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, analyzing complex datasets, and leveraging data to support diagnostic operations, decision-making, quality management, and research initiatives.
• Scientific Leadership and Operations: Experience leading laboratory teams and coordinating diagnostic and research activities in a regulated environment. Demonstrated ability to optimize workflows, resolve technical and operational challenges, and ensure the delivery of high-quality scientific and diagnostic services.
• Laboratory Compliance and Quality Assurance: Knowledge of quality management systems, laboratory accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards. Experience developing and maintaining documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation records, and technical reports to support compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.

Working Conditions:
• Relocation Required: Must relocate to the Kansas City area, specifically the Lenexa, Kansas Laboratory.
• Work Environment: Primarily based in a laboratory setting.

Travel Required:
• Position involves up to 10%.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties and responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not an employment contract. Ceva reserves the right to modify job duties and/or job descriptions at any time to meet the needs of the business.

Yourprofile :

Education -
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field.
M.S. in Molecular Biology or related discipline preferred, with 10+ years of relevant experience.
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in science-related field, with 15+ years of experience in diagnostic.

Work Experience -
Diagnostic Testing and Assay Development: Extensive experience in veterinary diagnostics, including the