What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director – Research & Development (R&D) position at OptraSCAN?
About OptraSCAN
OptraSCAN is a global leader in digital pathology and precision medicine solutions, specializing in whole-slide imaging systems, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-enabled telepathology platforms. With customers across the US, Europe, and Asia, OptraSCAN is transforming disease diagnostics through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Role Overview
The Director of R&D will lead the innovation strategy, research programs, and next-generation product development across imaging hardware, AI/ML, optics, and software platforms. This role will guide cross-functional teams to bring high-performance digital pathology products from concept to commercialization, ensuring quality, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and drive the R&D roadmap aligned with company vision and market needs.
- Identify emerging technologies (AI, optics, automation, cloud) for future product integration.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to shape long-term product strategy.
Product & Technology Development
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of digital pathology scanners, imaging systems, and AI algorithms.
- Oversee feasibility studies, prototyping, and performance validation.
- Ensure integration of hardware, software, and cloud technologies into cohesive solutions.
- Guide research into optics, image processing, robotics, and high-resolution imaging systems.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage and mentor cross-functional engineering teams (optical, mechanical, embedded, software, AI/ML).
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
- Work closely with Clinical, Regulatory, and Quality teams to ensure product compliance and readiness for FDA/CE certifications.
Project & Process Management
- Establish processes for efficient R&D execution, documentation, risk management, and product lifecycle management.
- Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Evaluate and manage external partnerships, vendors, and research institutions.
Regulatory, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure R&D activities comply with ISO 13485, IEC standards, and FDA/CE requirements.
- Support regulatory submissions with technical documentation and data.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Master’s or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Optics, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
Experience
- 12 years of product development experience in medical devices, imaging systems, digital pathology, or diagnostics.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary R&D teams.
- Strong expertise in at least two of the following:
- Optical imaging / microscopy
- Image processing / AI–ML
- Embedded systems & hardware
- Cloud software & data platforms
- Robotics / motion systems
Skills
- Strong technical leadership and ability to translate scientific concepts into commercial products.
- Deep understanding of product development lifecycle for regulated medical devices.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.