Associate Director of Science (Forensic Toxicology)

Job Description

The Associate Director of Science is responsible for the direction, planning, and management of R&D scientists focused on validation studies and new product development. This role ensures all projects align with departmental strategy, meet stringent regulatory requirements, and are delivered with scientific excellence. Key responsibilities include providing expert technical counsel to senior management, supervising a dedicated team of researchers, and maintaining accountability for the quality and timeliness of all laboratory deliverables.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and provide specialized technical oversight for forensic toxicology projects, ensuring all methodologies meet applicable regulatory standards. 
• Design and validate analytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS) for the detection and quantification of controlled substances and their metabolites. 
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into the production laboratory to improve throughput and detection sensitivity. 
• Prepare and review technical SOPs, assay validation reports, and forensic data packages to ensure full compliance with regulatory and accreditation bodies. 
• Serve as a technical expert for production laboratory workflows, troubleshooting instrumentation issues to maintain uninterrupted testing services. 
• Collaborate with senior management to align method development projects with company priorities and client needs in the drug testing market. 
• Lead project presentations and demonstrations for customers or regulatory auditors. 
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, including hiring, training in forensic standards, and performance goal setting for supervised staff. 
• Represent the organization at scientific meetings, presenting new research or validated technologies to the forensic community and partners.

Qualifications:

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Required Work Experience:  

• Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in a high-volume forensic toxicology or clinical reference laboratory. 
• Proven track record in the development and validation of methods using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS for the detection of drugs of abuse and their metabolites. 
• Familiarity with SAMHSA, CAP-FDT, or ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and a experience maintaining compliance within these frameworks. 
• At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory or management role, including interviewing, hiring, training, and setting performance goals for VXSHUYLVHG staff. 
• Demonstrated experience in authoring SOPs, assay validation reports, and forensic data packages for medium to large-scale projects.

Preferred Work Experience:  

• Experience providing technical support or expert testimony for legal proceedings or administrative hearings related to drug testing results. 
• Certification: Professional certification through the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) or National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC) is highly desirable.

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• Most duties are performed while sitting at a desk, (i.e., operating a computer or typewriter, using a telephone, or writing and analyzing data and/or reports).  Walking or standing within the office area may be required for the operation of other office equipment and for meetings. Occasionally duties are performed while standing or sitting in a laboratory and may require manual dexterity and visual acuity in the operation of equipment.  Some operations include the use of chemicals that requires following safe handling procedures. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms; in the operation of equipment or instruments located in the work environment.  The employee is frequently required to sit and occasionally required to stand, walk, and stoop.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, ability to distinguish color, and depth perception. 

Knowledge:  

• Able to lead projects and programs, set standards, and train staff.   
• Experience in managing technical professionals required; with demonstrated supervisory and leadership abilities.   
• Develop staff to independently solve technical problems; must act as a lead source of product development knowledge in the business unit.   
• Understands the diagnostics product development process and design controls under FDA Quality System Regulations for medical devices.   
• Able to resolve conflicts at both the project team and management level.   
• Familiarity with clinical laboratory practices and operations is desirable 

Skills:  

• Must possess excellent command of the English language and grammar, with demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications.   
• Ability to understand and critically analyze internal product development documents and business presentations, general business periodicals, relevant technical journals, and applicable governmental regulations.   
• Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence.   
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to common inquiries or complaints from employees, executives, vendors, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the scientific community. 
• Ability to compute basic statistical measures associated with quality control functions.  
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, linear algebra, and curve fitting at a sufficient level to guide staff and assess the quality of departmental work. 
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.   
• Ability to analyze an extensive variety of business and technical information, make appropriate assumptions, and understand the implications of both the data limitations and assumptions on the conclusions drawn.   
• Ability to effectively analyze and challenge data and conclusions generated by others. 

Education

• Doctorate Degree Requires knowledge and skills normally acquired through the successful completion of a Ph.D. in a scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)

People Leader Responsibility: 

• Direct supervision of technical managers and scientific staff up to the Sr. Staff Scientist level

Work Environment: 

• Lab work performed in designated areas may require appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, etc.

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