Scientific Director

About this role

Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Position Qualifications: We're not just a workplace - we're a Great Place to Work certified employer! Proudly certified as a Great Place to Work, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. At Sonic Healthcare USA, we emphasize teamwork and innovation. Check out our job openings and advance your career with a company that values its team members!

Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), a Sonic Healthcare USA company, is seeking an experienced and visionary Scientific Director to provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership across the laboratory organization. The Scientific Director is responsible for overseeing the implementation, validation, and optimization of new testing methodologies, platforms, and research and development initiatives while ensuring scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and exceptional quality standards.

This role serves as a key collaborator with Medical Directors, Technical Laboratory Operations, Quality, and laboratory leadership to advance strategic initiatives, support operational excellence, and enhance service to physicians, patients, and clients. The Scientific Director will drive innovation, mentor scientific staff, and contribute to the organization's long-term growth through scientific expertise and operational partnership.

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

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