Director Toxicology

DIRECTOR TOXICOLOGY

Our experts turn what once couldn't be done, into what we can't live without. In our 80-year legacy, Southern Research has helped shape modern cancer treatments, including developing seven FDA-approved drugs and testing more than half of active chemotherapies in the United States. Every layer of our team of scientific and professional staff serves a fundamental role in moving science.
 
We believe the world's most powerful resource is human potential. We embody an inclusive and courageous team where everyone is empowered to share ideas and where innovation and diversity of thought go hand in hand. We measure what matters and own results as a team. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.

General Summary

This position is responsible for leading and managing a department of professional and technical staff. The director prepares labor, material, and capital equipment budgets, and manages allocated resources with an aim towards growth, quality, and customer service.  The position works closely with other functional areas to ensure that appropriate resources are available to support the overall department efforts (i.e., Project Management, Operations, Finance, Business Development, Human Resources, Safety, and Facilities). Incumbent will develop a highly efficient, profitable, and quality oriented team, while providing direct and indirect reports with opportunities for professional growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages the delivery of toxicology, pharmacokinetic, and other in-life studies to support a diverse range of client needs.
• Through deep understanding of market and trends builds the toxicology service offerings and grows revenue.
• In collaboration with the proposals department, oversees the preparation and review of proposals submitted to clients; interacts with existing clients, and monitors work progress on active projects/ contracts to ensure performance to project budget and deliverables milestones.
• Develops new client relationships.
• Responsible for the effective operation of department activities that have an impact on the organization.
• Ensures effective management of programs and processes to include relevant compliance considerations.
• Directs research and development programs consisting of multiple related projects involving collaborations with other groups both within and outside of the organization.
• Creates the work culture that values teamwork and holds people accountable.
• Delivers high quality products to support sales efforts.
• May be asked to serve on internal ad hoc committees as well as external review committees.
• Uses independent judgment to make decisions and must exercise a high level of confidentiality to disseminate sensitive information. 
• Demonstrates excellent organizational abilities.
• Implements HR processes and other administrative responsibilities associated with the direct supervision of professional and technical resources of the functional group while adhering to core organizational behaviors to promote professional growth of team members.
• Retains currency in field of specialization by staying abreast of changes, both internal and external, which affect the operation of the group.
• Implements and observes appropriate safety and study requirements by reading, understanding, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements, and study protocols.
• Performs other duties as may be required by senior level management.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Toxicology or closely related field.
• Ten + years of directly related functional experience with a minimum of two years managing a professional staff in a GLP environment.
• Significant demonstrated ability to understand market trends and grow revenue.
• Prior experience growing a team of professionals in pre-clinical toxicology studies.
• Expert knowledge and be a recognized authority within the field of toxicology.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with staff members, other personnel in the organization, clients, and customers.
• Demonstrated project management experience and prior experience with resource allocation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of business acumen and practices; ability to understand and apply cost and financial accounting concepts.
• As a Federal contractor, Southern Research may be required to comply with a Federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate.  In that event, Southern Research will require that all newly hired employees show proof of full COVID vaccination or authorized exemption prior to their start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Toxicology or closely related field.
• DABT accreditation.
• Prefer candidates with CRO experience

Essential Functions/Competencies

• Ability to interact with others in a cooperative, persuasive, and tactful manner.
• Ability to read, understand, retain, and apply knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and other study requirements.
• Willing to work extended hours when necessary

Work Environment & Conditions

This position will work in both an office and laboratory setting. Use of a computer for extended periods of time may be necessary. Requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including (but not limited to):

• Eye protection (Safety glasses and/or full face shield)
• Respirator (varies based on tasks and barrier requirements)
• Tyvek/scrub suits
• Nitrile (or equivalent) gloves (varies based on tasks)
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)

Immunizations are required for this position and are determined by the study/agent.  Some examples include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Influenza.