Director, Pathology Operations

Director, Pathology Operations – Southern Research + You

Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.

The Director of Pathology Operations will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Pathology Department, including the responsibility for the coordination of studies within Pathology. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards in pathology services, fostering a high-performance team culture, and driving operational efficiency. The Director will engage with key stakeholders, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The candidate will be an experienced leader who can balance operational execution, financial stewardship, and strategic engagement with clients and partners.

• Lead major technical projects within time and budget constraints.
• Support the identification of technologies with sustainable market impact that contribute to setting the strategic direction for the commercialization of technology.
• Support and oversee validation and qualification efforts for equipment and software to be used for both GLP and non-GLP studies.
• Actively engage in technical activities and provide project direction within all areas of the department, as needed.
• Plan and develop projects including the selection of appropriate project staff from available resources. Establish, monitor, and lead technical, supervisory, and management staff.
• Train, mentor, and lead technical, supervisory, and management staff, fostering an environment of scientific innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Develop project and overhead budgets with clients, client services, and management, as needed. Lead organization development efforts, ensuring alignment of departmental objectives with corporate goals.
• Identify needs for specialized facilities to support technical areas and assist management in planning to meet these needs.
• Assist Pathology and leadership to develop a growing national or international reputation.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations, goal setting and evaluation, hiring, training, resourcing, and salary planning for personnel.
• Monitor and ensure timely delivery of data, samples, and reports to clients, supporting both GLP and non-GLP efforts.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements to maintain a GLP laboratory, including interacting with Quality Assurance and Quality Control professionals both within the organization and external, when needed.
• Respond to regulatory audits and deviations, ensure staff maintain all required training and documentation of said training in a timely manner.
• Develop strategic direction, including identifying new capabilities and research areas, to expand customer base and new business.
• Support purchasing efforts, ensuring all inventories are maintained for laboratory function.
• Contribute to proposals, present briefings to clients, present data at scientific conferences/meetings, manage schedule and budget on studies, analyze data, and write reports, as needed and appropriate.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure department efficiency, scientific impact, and client satisfaction.

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field with 10+ years of leadership experience in preclinical pathology within a contract research organization, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environment.
• Demonstrable knowledge of regulatory guidelines (GLP, FDA, EMA, ICH).
• Must be willing to meet entry requirements for the A/BSL 13 facility, which includes wearing protective clothing (e.g., N95 and PAPR) for extended periods of time, to fulfill veterinary and pathology responsibilities.
• Must possess ability to interact and communicate effectively with staff members, other Institute personnel, clients, and customers.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, managing…