Product Manager, RNA NGS (open to Sr. Manager)

Position:

Product Manager, RNA NGS (open to Sr. Manager)

Department:

Marketing

Position Type:

Full time

Location:

Boulder, CO (preferred) or remote

Experience:

BS and 8-10 years of experience or MS and 6+ years of relevant industry experience. Open to the title of Senior Product Manager with additional experience.

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor.

We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Summary
Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Product Manager, RNA NGS (open to Senior Product Manager) to support our growing RNA NGS portfolio. This position is responsible for driving portfolio growth through new product development, expansion of the application scope, and proactive life cycle management with respect to our expanding RNA Library Prep (LP) portfolio, reporting to the Associate Director of NGS Product Management.

The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise in molecular biology, RNA sequencing, and advanced genomics applications with strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking. They will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, effectively lead cross-functional initiatives, and play a key role in shaping the continued growth of Watchmaker's RNA portfolio.

Responsibilities

Serve as the organizational expert and champion for the RNA NGS portfolio, with the flexibility to support and represent adjacent portfolios as needed.

Develop and execute product and application strategies for the RNA portfolio, including market opportunity assessments, customer segmentation, competitive analysis, business case development, roadmap prioritization, and lifecycle investment decisions.

Translate market and customer needs into prioritized product requirements, partnering with R&D to evaluate technical feasibility and make informed tradeoffs across customer value, development effort, commercial potential, and strategic fit.

Partner with Sales to engage key customers, understand evolving application requirements, and cultivate collaborations that drive innovative product solutions, expansion into new markets, and broader product adoption.

Translate customer, market, competitive, and technical insights into differentiated value propositions, partnering with Product Marketing on positioning, messaging, commercialization, and sales enablement.

Manage all product management facets of commercialization and lifecycle management, including market assessments, global pricing strategies, product documentation, sales training, and demand planning.

Lead cross-functional collaborations with R&D, Applications, Support, Sales, Quality, and Operations to ensure successful implementation of product requirements and drive new product development through commercial launch.

Identify and prioritize opportunities to expand the RNA portfolio into new applications, sample types, and workflows, including automated and high-throughput RNA sequencing.

Own lifecycle performance for assigned products, monitoring revenue, adoption, customer feedback, competitive dynamics, quality trends, and product performance to identify growth opportunities and proactively address risks.

Create and maintain competitive assessments, market intelligence, and product performance analyses to inform strategic decisions and portfolio investments.

Lead portfolio communication and stakeholder alignment across the organization, including regular business reviews and leadership updates; proactively surface and elevate risks, opportunities, tradeoffs, and decisions needed, and drive cross-functional accountability and resolution.

Please note:

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

Demonstrated technical expertise in NGS workflows, including library preparation, sequencing, and data interpretation, with experience in core molecular biology techniques.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Results-oriented, with the ability to multitask, work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines, and work without supervision.

Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team.

Excellent communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative.

Demonstrated ability to creatively solve complex problems and develop practical solutions within existing operational infrastructure, processes, and quality standards.

Proven ability to influence & gain consensus in cross-functional teams, and to work effectively with customers, development, and sales teams.

Experience in presenting technical information to groups with various scientific backgrounds.

Creative and critical thinking skills to anticipate customer needs and proactively solve problems.

Track record of success defining and launching products.

Experience in documenting customer/product requirements and applying risk-informed decision-making within a quality management system.

This position requires approximately 20% travel (domestic and international).

Education and Experience

MSc degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics, or a related scientific field required; PhD considered a plus.

Minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience, including substantial hands-on experience with RNA sequencing or related transcriptomics workflows.

Product Management experience strongly preferred; candidates with relevant experience in R&D, Applications, or other customer-facing technical roles will also be considered.

Experience participating in or leading cross-functional new product development projects required.

Additional experience in product strategy, portfolio ownership, commercialization, and cross-functional leadership will be considered for the Senior Product Manager level.

Compensation
The base compensation for the Product Manager, NGS role starts at $110,000 - $130,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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