Thermal Gradient, a developer of devices and systems for rapid molecular diagnostics, has chosen to relocate its operations from Rochester, N.Y., to the Richmond Region in Virginia. The molecular diagnostics solutions company recently leased a 10,000-square-foot-building to become a resident business in the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park in Richmond.

Thermal Gradient designs and develops devices and systems that perform nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) tests. The firm’s technology is broadly applicable in such diverse fields as infectious disease diagnosis, cancer detection, DNA finger printing, biodefense and counterfeit product testing.

All scientific operations will move to the research park immediately. The remaining functions will relocate to Richmond over the next 12 months. Thermal Gradient expects to grow to 45 employees in the next two years.