Clinical Laboratory Director & Vice President, Translational and Computational Pathology

Company Overview

Sonder Research X is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to advancing and innovating cancer diagnostics. Our team integrates biology, engineering, and data science to develop next-generation diagnostic technologies. We operate in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision, accountability, and cross-functional teamwork are critical to success.

Position Summary

Sonder Research X is seeking an accomplished physician leader to serve as Clinical Laboratory Director & Vice President, Translational and Computational Pathology. This individual will provide clinical, scientific, and operational leadership for the Company's pathology, companion diagnostics, and translational biomarker programs while serving as the designated Clinical Laboratory Director under CLIA and CAP regulations.

The successful candidate will oversee pathology operations, assay development and validation, digital pathology initiatives, and pharmaceutical collaborations supporting oncology diagnostics and companion diagnostic development. Partnering closely with scientific, engineering, AI/ML, and clinical teams, this leader will help advance innovative pathology-based solutions while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance and scientific excellence. 

As a growing biotechnology organization, Sonder Research X is seeking a leader who combines strategic vision with a hands-on approach and actively contributes to scientific problem-solving, assay development, validation, and the implementation of new technologies and workflows. This role is ideal for a physician leader who enjoys building, innovating, and working alongside cross-functional teams to accelerate scientific and operational progress.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Laboratory Leadership

• Serve as the designated Clinical Laboratory Director and maintain oversight of all CLIA, CAP, and applicable New Jersey regulatory requirements.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve laboratory quality systems, policies, procedures, and inspection readiness.
• Provide clinical and scientific oversight for pathology operations, histology workflows, tissue processing, and diagnostic testing activities.
• Maintain a hands-on presence across pathology, assay development, validation, and translational research, providing both strategic leadership and direct scientific contributions as needed.
• Lead laboratory accreditation, inspections, audits, and regulatory interactions.

Translational Pathology & Companion Diagnostics

• Lead pathology strategy supporting biomarker discovery, translational research, and companion diagnostic development.
• Direct the design, development, validation, and implementation of pathology-based assays, including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplex tissue analysis workflows.
• Contribute directly to the evaluation, development, validation, and implementation of new pathology and companion diagnostic capabilities as the organization scales. Partner with pharmaceutical sponsors on biomarker programs, companion diagnostic initiatives, and clinical trial support activities.
• Serve as pathology subject matter expert for oncology-focused translational research programs.

Digital & Computational Pathology

• Provide strategic leadership for the implementation and adoption of digital pathology within the existing digital pathology team.
• Partner closely with software engineering, AI/ML, and data science teams to evaluate, validate, deploy, and continuously improve computational pathology tools and image analysis workflows.
• Support existing digital pathology technologies, whole-slide imaging platforms, and quantitative tissue analysis systems.
• Establish scientific and clinical standards for computational pathology applications supporting diagnostic and translational programs.

Scientific Leadership

• Serve as a key scientific leader across pathology, biomarker, and companion diagnostic initiatives.
• Lead by example through active scientific engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and direct contribution to high-priority initiatives across pathology, translational research, and companion diagnostic programs.
• Build relationships with academic, pharmaceutical, and industry partners.
• Contribute to publications, presentations, and scientific communications that advance the Company's leadership position within oncology diagnostics and computational pathology.

Required Qualifications

• MD or DO from an accredited institution. 
• Board Certification in Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP). 
• Eligible to serve as Clinical Laboratory Director under CLIA regulations. 
• Current unrestricted medical license in New Jersey or ability to obtain New Jersey licensure within six (6) months of hire. 
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience within a high-complexity clinical laboratory, pathology laboratory, diagnostics company, pharmaceutical organization, academic medical center, or CRO. 
• Demonstrated experience in pathology assay development, validation, and laboratory operations. 
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical-sponsored research, clinical trials, companion diagnostics, or translational medicine programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in translational oncology and biomarker development.
• Companion diagnostics (CDx) experience.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay development and validation experience.
• Digital pathology implementation experience.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical co-development programs.
• Strong publication and scientific presentation record.

Highly Desirable

• Computational pathology experience.
• AI-assisted pathology workflow experience.
• Whole-slide imaging (WSI) implementation experience.
• Experience evaluating or validating AI/ML-enabled pathology applications.
• Spatial biology and multiplex tissue analysis experience.

The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, a 401(k), an annual professional development budget, and a Coursera subscription.

Location & Relocation Assistance

This onsite position is based in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Candidates located outside of New Jersey are encouraged to apply.

New Jersey medical licensure is not required at the time of application. Candidates must be eligible to obtain New Jersey licensure within six months of hire.

Relocation assistance is available for highly qualified candidates.

Why Join Sonder Research X?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of oncology diagnostics at the intersection of pathology, biomarker discovery, companion diagnostics, and computational pathology.

As Clinical Laboratory Director & Vice President, Translational and Computational Pathology, you will play a foundational leadership role in building and advancing next-generation diagnostic technologies that could improve patient outcomes and accelerate precision medicine. Working alongside experts in pathology, molecular biology, artificial intelligence, engineering, and clinical development, you will help define the scientific and clinical strategy supporting the Company's growth and pharmaceutical partnerships.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build programs, influence strategy, publish impactful scientific work, and contribute to the development of innovative diagnostic solutions from concept through clinical implementation. This role offers significant visibility, executive leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to help establish a world-class pathology and companion diagnostics platform within a rapidly growing oncology-focused biotechnology company.

Sonder Research X is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and are dedicated to creating an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and succeed.