Associate Director Research Laboratory Sciences

About the role

We are seeking an Associate Director, Research Laboratory Sciences for our Safety Assessment site located in Reno, NV. Manage assigned scientific staff and provide scientific direction, operational oversight, and mentorship for junior staff. Develop and maintain strong client/sponsor relationships and participate in business development activities. Serve as the subject matter expert and primary scientific contact for internal and external clients and ensure the regulatory compliance of laboratory procedures, documentation, and data management.

Responsibilities

• Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, and development of employees.
• Develop organizational strength by hiring, identifying, and developing personnel who are scientifically and/or technically strong.
• Establish culture and atmosphere to maintain good retention and low turnover using available tools and metrics.
• Operate as a subject matter expert to provide leadership, expert consultation, and mentorship to cross-functional company teams.
• Collaborate and consult with prospective Sponsors, providing scientific expertise and developing ongoing Sponsor relationships.
• Assist with providing costing estimates for components of applicable studies.
• Lead implementation of new procedures and refinement of existing procedures to meet current and future business needs.
• Plan, assign, and direct work within one or more operational areas.
• Maintain critical thinking, troubleshooting, and time management skills aligned with needs of operational areas.
• Provide leadership for the robust development of novel methods within one or more operational areas, demonstrating proficiency with lab skills and understanding of scientific and regulatory concepts in experimental design.
• Establish and maintain best practices and processes for training, mentoring, and transition of developed methods.
• Oversee the design, conduct, interpretation, and reporting of studies as needed.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills through both formal and informal collaboration and discussions with peers, supervisor, team, cross-site, and externally with collaborators and sponsors.
• Ensure laboratory tasks and operations are executed in compliance with SOPs, protocols, regulatory requirements as needed.
• Review and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, policies, best practices, and study procedures.
• Maintain contemporaneous knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Effectively utilize project management systems.

Requirements

• PhD or international equivalent in a science-related field required.
• 10 or more years’ experience in the contract research or pharmaceutical industry conducting scientific research.
• Experience in a GLP (discovery) environment required.
• Management experience required.
• Experience with financial business planning and project management experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated independent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing a laboratory area.
• Demonstrated knowledge and full understanding of GLP regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Ability to develop and maintain client/sponsor relationships and direct client/Sponsor programs.
• Ability to interact appropriately with all levels of employees.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, detail-driven environment.
• Ability to apply leadership, negotiation, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, instrumentation, and analysis software.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Workplace Requirements

• Perform general office and/or laboratory procedures, which require talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, typing/entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Pay

The base pay range for this position is between $150,000 and $170,000. Salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.