May 05, 2013

Ventana Looking For a Digital Pathology Director and Onsite Medical Director

BY Dr. Keith J. Kaplan

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., was launched in 1987 by a practicing pathologist, Dr. Thomas Grogan. In the mid 1980s, Grogan and a small team of highly skilled and dedicated doctors, scientists, and engineers pioneered the automation and standardization of tissue biopsy testing. The team pursued a shared vision to deliver test results to patients faster, but it didn’t end there. Knowing that tissue contains a wealth of information that is vital beyond diagnosis, they expanded their mission to research the chemistry of cancer biopsies. Tissue-based assays have enabled physicians to personalize diagnosis and treatment options for individual cancer patients. Now, in another positive indication for the role of digital pathology in tissue diagnostics and an ever-evolving industry/market comes news of of an executive-level position within Roche (parent company of Ventana) for management of their digital pathology portfolio and local medical director for their Mountain View digital pathology headquarters.

Who we are

At Roche, 82,000 people across 150 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

virtuosoVentana Medical Systems, Inc. (Ventana), a member of the Roche Group, innovates and manufactures instruments and reagents that automate tissue processing and slide staining for cancer diagnostics. Our integrated staining, workflow management and digital pathology solutions optimize laboratory efficiency to reduce errors and support diagnosis for pathology professionals. Together with Roche, Ventana is driving personalized healthcare through accelerated drug discovery and companion diagnostics.

The Position

Manages the medical and clinical operations of the Mountain View site.  Serves as a member of the DP&W Lifecycle Management Team, the Lifecycle Committee (LCT) and develops and oversees the validation of imaging applications, including oversight of studies leading to FDA 510(k) and PMA filings. Serves as a member of the Mountain View Leadership Team and is jointly responsible for managing academic and clinical collaborations for the company, including those with academic medical centers and reference laboratories. Develops research programs with key opinion leaders and works with internal business development along with R&D to execute these programs.  Works closely with multiple other functions and groups, including Marketing, R&D, and Quality and Regulatory to develop and review new products and applications as well as enhancing and refining existing DP&W products and applications and customer support. Supervises the medical and pathology requirements of the lifecycle, including image/slide review, test scoring, algorithm design, testing and validation, and application testing.  Represents Ventana’s vision from a medical value and digital pathology perspective via preparation of abstracts and review articles, in meetings with external visiting pathologists, and at relevant scientific symposia, external pathology meetings and conferences.
 
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Functions as Pathology Functional lead for Mountain View team.
  • Develops and implements strategies for Ventana’s digital pathology research programs and contribute to the Digital Pathology Lifecycle strategy.
  • Monitors and evaluates the development of novel applications of digital pathology and supports the assay, imaging, instrument and software development teams with pathology guidance.
  • Drives biological/pathological understanding of markers and image analysis.
  • Provides oversight of FDA studies and filings and management of clinical collaborations.
  • Works closely with the Mountain View General Manager and Lifecycle Leader and serves as a key member of the Mountain View Management Team.
  • Provides pathology supervision, including slide review/validation, tissue procurement, and application testing. As needed, leads a team of consulting pathologists.
  • Remains up to date on pathology, oncology and molecular biology literature related to Ventana’s assay and digital pathology business areas; prepares and presents abstracts and peer reviewed publications.
  • Provides Sales & Marketing support and customer support for pathology-related issues.
  • Serves as medical/pathology lead on FDA interactions regarding digital pathology.
  • Serves as pathology lead on CAPA regarding Digital Pathology products.
  • Attends and represents the company at scientific symposia.
  • Monitors work to ensure quality and continuously promote Quality First Time.
  • May perform other duties as required or assigned. Some travel required.

Who you are

You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for a company where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Formal Training/Education:
  • MD. United States Board certified pathologist
  • PhD in related field, informatics, cancer biology etc., highly valued.
Experience:
  • Fellowship(s) in specific area(s) of pathology.
  • Management experience.
  • 10 years relevant scientific/industry experience, including extensive experience in pathology, cytology, image analysis applications and biomarker development.
  • Familiarity with personalized medicine and companion diagnostics.
  • Oncology-focused experience in pharmaceutical industry desired.
  • Medical Informatics experience desired.
  • Demonstrated record of accomplishments (e.g. publications in scientific journals, issued US patents).
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of diagnostic pathology.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills including ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to prepare/present information to groups and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to use professional concepts to contribute to the development of company strategy and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.
  • Ability to function in an action oriented environment.

The next step is yours. To apply today, click on the “Apply online” button below.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply online

Source: Roche

OR

platinum partners

gold partners

Silver Partners

Media Partners