This role is a temporary 18 - Month contract.
Job Summary
The Scientific Director (SD) is the primary individual responsible for the management and integrity of the design, conduct, and reporting of a research project and for managing, monitoring and ensuring the integrity of Sponsor relationships. The SD is charged to conduct objective research that generates independent, high quality, and reproduceable results. Additionally, the SD is responsible for the direction and oversight of regulatory compliance, compliance with Transpharmation and Sponsor policy, financial, personnel, and other related aspects of the research project. The SD will have a solid understanding of each individual’s roles and responsibilities within the company and within research studies. The SD will also be involved in business development working closely with the Chief Scientific Officer and the Sales team. The SD will also work closely with the Chief Scientific Officer to help guide scientific development/advancement of company services. The SD may also be recognised as having specialist knowledge in a particular therapeutic or platform technology area. As such, the individual may be called up to act as an expert to facilitate sponsor interactions, and also to provide insights into market trends and scientific developments to support service growth. The SD may also be expected to initiate and oversee internal studies for this purpose. Contribution to the publication of scientific materials either through newsletters, peer reviewed journals and/or formal presentations at scientific meetings is also expected.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Activities
- Create study proposals outlining summary of study design and determine cost of studies for quotations.
- Ability to work with clients to determine whether Transpharmation can meet the client's needs.
- Provide Scientific expertise to clients by introducing efficacy animals models that provide translational value and help accelerate the clients’ research programs.
- Optimize study and costing procedures by increasing efficiency, ensuring cost recovery, and reaching the company’s projected profit goals.
- Develop study protocols, oversee projects, and prepare final reports on contracted studies.
- Collaborate with client and Study Coordinator to establish an appropriate study design based on client's needs.
- Act as a bridge between client and operations throughout the study, keeping both parties informed of progress and feedback as necessary. In the event of deviations/unforeseen issues be able to effectively communicate between internal and external contacts.
- Maintain close communication with business development and finance departments for client accounts and invoicing upon each milestone.
- Evaluate resources based on the workload and proactively anticipate and allocate additional resources if required.
- Develop and optimize study and costing procedures.
- Develop new study models based on market interest/requirements.
- Ensure quality standards are maintained with respect to project deliverables and Sponsor interactions.
- Provide a level of scientific interaction to enable discussions with client to move forward effectively. Also to be able to understand where client needs may not be met.
- In discussion with CSO/other SDs be prepared to identify and discuss areas for future assay development within that area for the purpose of revenue growth.
- Provide advice re. study pricing to Sales/Marketing (cost ultimately determined by Sales but the SD should be able to comment on final pricing and raise comment where necessary).
- Be available for internal discussions with sales team re. operational capacity, limitations, opportunities to meet emerging client needs.
- Complete cost amendments and submit to finance. Understand potential cost implications of study amendments and help advise the sales team on appropriate cost implications.
- Maintain close contact with relevant departmental managers to ensure leadership/composition of the team reflects market trends and demands.
- File study amendments/deviations/memos/incidents as necessary.
- Perform technical procedural work and surgical procedures as needed (basic and advanced).
- Ensure that all experimental data, including unanticipated responses, are accurately recorded and ensure completeness and integrity of data collected during the study.
- At study conclusion be able to provide interpretation of ongoing/completed study results to the client and address feedback as necessary.
- Ensuring appropriate analysis and interpretation of study outcomes.
- Together with SC and report writer, prepare a report and be prepared to sign-off when necessary.
- Provide scientific insight to help develop new service offerings or help advance existing service offerings.
- Participate in internal working groups as requested (animal care committee, health and safety, CTLS, etc).
- Other duties as deemed necessary.
Supervisory
- Act as the company’s primary resource in area of expertise, providing leadership direction on all related issues.
- Share technical and competitive information with colleagues and provide expertise to others when required.
- Promote cooperation within own team as well as between groups and with other departments.
- Participate in business development activities as subject matter expert on areas of expertise.
- Represent and market company at scientific meetings and/or client site visits on an as-needed basis up to 10% US and international travel.
- Explain techniques to new employees and visitors.
- Provide training to staff as required.
- To form close dialog and trust with study coordinator(s) and the technical team.
- Ensure both study logistics and timelines are understood at all stages.
- Understand the current technical capability of internal resources.
- Provide hands-on support to technical team as necessary.
- Be aware of ongoing study issues and co-ordinate communication between Transpharmation and sponsor during the in-life study stage.
INTERACTION
This position requires the individual to serve as an important interface between internal departments (i.e. technical team, sales team, accounting team, other scientists, quality assurance), as well as external groups, (i.e. Sponsors, scientific community, ACC). This position may also require the individual to represent the company at trade shows, conferences and sales trips. The individual must therefore be well versed in communication skills.
COMMUNICATION
Communications are with all departments and employees within the organization as well as communication with external companies. Collaboration, execution, and reporting of the quality assurance program. Verbal communication is required to request and receive instructions for work, to report on activities, results, problems, and to participate in planning and scheduling of work and equipment use. Written communication is required for accurate and detailed recording of procedures, for reporting results and for completing documentation. Reading and comprehension of scientific publications, written protocols and manuals is essential.
WORKING CONDITIONS
ENVIRONMENT
Generally working indoors. Occasional periods of several hours per day exposed to noxious odours from diagnostic materials and/or samples. There will also be the occasional need to work with chemicals and/or biohazards in a controlled environment.
RISK TO HEALTH
There will be the occasional exposure to small quantities of toxic irritant or corrosive chemicals as well as exposure to freezers (-80C) and liquid nitrogen (-200C) while storing, retrieving, shipping, and receiving materials. There will be exposure to zoonotic diseases. There will also be repetitive physical activities. There will be occasional periods of several hours per day performing physically repetitive procedures (typing, etc.). There is also a potential for digital eye strain resulting from prolonged computer use.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The demands of this position include: standing, bending, twisting, lifting, carrying liquid containers, carrying boxes weighing up to 20 kg and daily periods of keyboarding.
PHYSICAL DEXTERITY
Agility, accuracy and consistency will be required while handling precision instruments such as, pipettes, balances, pH meters, surgical instruments. Strong fine motor skills in fingers, hands, and arms.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
- Veterinary or graduate level science degree or B.Sc. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry) with at least 3 years of direct experience.
- A higher degree of masters or PhD is considered advantageous but not essential to the role.
Experience
- 3-5 years’ experience managing projects, research activities, and collaborative initiatives in a science delivery environment.
- Demonstrated experience and comfort in managing animal studies.
- Experience in the delivery of diagnostic or reference laboratory services under a system of quality.
- Experience in planning and managing human and financial resources.
- Experience in managing communications and high-level preparation of study related documentation.
- Experience conducting safety and efficacy studies.
- Experience handling confidential laboratory and scientific data.
- Experience executing administrative strategies.
- Proven organizational skills and attention to details.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and to meet timelines and budgets.
- Experience within a laboratory environment.
- Experience training staff.
- Well versed in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the basic principles of biology, immunology and chemistry.
- Knowledge of the principles of safe handling of potentially pathogenic substances and contaminated materials.
- Knowledge of CCAC and OMAFA regulations.
- Familiar with the following acts and regulations: ISO 17025 (2017), OECD Principles on GLP, CCAC guidelines and policies and the Animals for Research Act.
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety practices.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of scientific research.
- Knowledge and understanding of Transpharmation Canada’s Standard Operating Procedures.
- Knowledge of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
- Knowledge of therapeutic development regulatory guidelines.
- Familiar with development of new products for human and animal health care.
- Familiar with new methodologies and processes in relevant area of specialization.
Disclaimer
As part of our recruitment process, we may use digital or artificial intelligence–enabled tools to assist with tasks such as résumé screening, skills matching, or scheduling. These tools do not make final hiring decisions. All employment decisions are made by people.
We are committed to fair, inclusive, and bias‑aware hiring practices and comply with Ontario legislation. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
