About Karius
Karius is a life science, venture-backed clinical metagenomics company, focused on elevating patient care through microbial insights. We are committed to advancing diagnostic science and technology to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Through the use of genomics and AI, we are driven to improve the diagnostic landscape for infectious diseases. Karius delivers unprecedented diagnostic insight detecting microbial cell-free DNA circulating in the body to assist physicians to make rapid treatment decisions.
Position Summary
The Director, Scientific Engagement is a medical affairs leader responsible for driving scientific engagement, supporting clinical research, working closely with field sales Medical Science Liaisons, and partnering with key opinion leaders (KOLs). This role ensures scientific accuracy, compliance, and alignment with company strategy while strengthening relationships with investigators, clinicians, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Why Should You Join Us
Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The products Karius offers today are some of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our tests are the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.
Reports to: VP, Medical Affairs
Location: San Francisco, CA/Bay Area or Remote (USA) - The ideal candidate is located near a major airport hub in the West US.
Primary Responsibilities
• Provide strategic input into study design, site selection, feasibility, and investigator engagement.
• Partner with investigators and study teams to support enrollment and trial conduct.
• Represent Medical Affairs at investigator meetings and deliver site training.
• Assist in the management and coordination of Investigator Initiated Studies.
• Interpret and communicate clinical data internally and externally.
• Coach, mentor, and provide strategic guidance to MSLs across therapeutic areas.
• Develop and disseminate scientific resources, training, and standard responses.
• Evaluate and synthesize field insights to inform internal strategy and evidence generation.
• Serve as a medical expert at advisory boards, conferences, and symposia.
• Support cross-functional product launch planning and execution.
• Review and contribute to promotional, educational, and field training materials.
• Collaborate on scientific booth content and conference activities.
• Identify, engage, and foster long-term partnerships with national-level KOLs and investigators.
• Support KOL participation in advisory boards, conferences, and publications.
• Build credible scientific relationships to advance development, evidence generation, and guidelines.
What’s Fun About the Job?
Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.
Travel: Travel is required up to 50% in the West US.
Physical Requirements
Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor and moderate noise levels. Work is generally performed in an office, lab or clinical environment.
Position Requirements
• Doctoral-level degree in the Life Sciences (MD or DO), required.
• Board certification and clinical practice experience, required.
• Minimum 8 years post-training experience in hematology/oncology, transplant, or infectious diseases, including 5 or more years in Medical Affairs, clinical development, or scientific engagement roles in diagnostics or biopharma.
• Demonstrated experience bridging clinical practice and molecular diagnostics, preferably with hands-on exposure to Karius testing or other cfDNA technologies.
• Proven experience engaging with national level key opinion leaders, investigators, and guideline contributors, including the ability to shape and execute scientific engagement plans.
• Deep scientific and clinical knowledge with the ability to translate complex data into clear insights for diverse audiences.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, comfortable engaging with external experts and internal executive leadership in high visibility settings.
• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to align field scientific activities to broader medical, evidence generation, and business objectives.
• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting clinical studies, registries, or investigator initiated research in relevant therapeutic areas.
• Track record of authorship on peer reviewed publications and presentations at major medical congresses.
• Proven ability to provide medical and scientific leadership to field medical teams or clinical liaisons, including mentoring, coaching, and performance guidance.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting real world evidence, clinical utility data, and health outcomes to inform scientific engagement strategy.
• High level of professional credibility with the ability to build trusted, long term relationships with external experts and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to travel frequently, up to 50%, for investigator meetings, conferences, and field team support.
• Comfortable working independently in a field based role with effective cross functional coordination and accountability.
Personal Qualifications
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex scientific data into clear, compelling messages.
• Proven scientific integrity and credibility, consistently ensuring accuracy, balance, and compliance in all interactions.
• Strong strategic mindset, able to connect clinical insights with organizational priorities to shape evidence generation and medical strategy.
• Confident leadership presence, inspiring trust as a mentor and guiding MSLs with influence rather than authority.
• Highly collaborative approach, thriving in cross-functional, matrixed environments while fostering productive partnerships.
• Adaptable and resilient professional, comfortable with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and the dynamic pace of biotech and diagnostics.
• Patient-centered focus, consistently keeping outcomes and unmet needs at the core of decision-making and engagement.
Disclaimer
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company. All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.
