Scientific Director

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Scientific & Technical Leadership

• Provide scientific leadership and oversight for the implementation of new clinical laboratory tests, testing platforms, and research and development initiatives.

• Ensure the scientific validity, integrity, and regulatory compliance of all laboratory testing processes.

• Direct the technical development, validation, verification, and implementation of new testing methodologies.

• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend innovative testing solutions in collaboration with Medical Directors and laboratory leadership.

• Determine and recommend the most appropriate testing platforms for clinical applications.

• Ensure testing systems and methodologies consistently deliver accurate, reliable, and high-quality laboratory services.

• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert and resource for laboratory leadership, clients, and healthcare providers.

Operational Excellence & Quality

• Partner with laboratory operations leaders to support quality, service, productivity, and organizational goals.

• Collaborate across departments to ensure successful project execution and implementation of new services.

• Participate in Quality Management, Quality Improvement, Operations calls, and management meetings.

• Facilitate go-live planning and execution for new laboratory tests and platforms.

• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, state, federal, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

• Support inspection readiness and assist with responses to regulatory and accreditation findings.

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

• Coordinate and support long-range planning initiatives related to laboratory testing capabilities, technology investments, and regulatory developments.

• Stay informed about advances in laboratory science, diagnostics, and healthcare technology.

• Provide recommendations regarding future laboratory services, testing platforms, and scientific capabilities.

• Support organizational initiatives focused on process improvement, efficiency, quality, and growth.

• Champion Lean Six Sigma principles and support continuous improvement projects throughout the organization.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Mentor scientists and laboratory professionals in clinical testing methodologies, instrumentation, and technical competencies.

• Support the development of training programs, competency assessments, and continuing education initiatives.

• Provide scientific guidance and coaching to laboratory personnel.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and professional development.

• Influence and lead cross-functional teams to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with physicians, clients, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.

• Assist with the development of client communications related to testing services, methodology changes, and new offerings.

• Collaborate with Medical Directors and operational leaders to deliver exceptional service and support to clients and patients.

• Serve as a scientific representative of CPL and Sonic Healthcare USA as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline required.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of laboratory leadership or management experience within a clinical laboratory environment.

• Experience overseeing multiple laboratory disciplines and testing areas.

• Demonstrated experience leading test development, method validation, implementation, and quality initiatives.

• Strong knowledge of laboratory regulatory and accreditation requirements.

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, testing methodologies, and quality systems.

• Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP, state, and federal laboratory regulations.

• Proven ability to lead scientific and operational initiatives in a complex healthcare environment.

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills.

• Strong quality management and quality monitoring expertise.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders effectively.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.