Study Director

Purpose of Role / Job Summary

The position has responsibilities centered around the execution, planning, and management of assigned studies. The role will participate in vivo pharmacology research conducting biochemical screening models, proof-of-concept models for target validation, as well as disease efficacy models to evaluate development and discovery lead compounds. The ability to communicate succinctly with clients, coordinators, and technicians is key as well as a cross-functional, flexible, and collaborative spirit.

• Manages client correspondence and relationship

• Works with study sponsors to create study protocols

• Informs Live Phase Study Coordinator of decisions to initiate studies and thereby proceed with ordering animals and necessary study supplies

• Ensures all research technicians are properly trained to perform task and is ultimately responsible for all work performed on his/her study.

• Performs disease‑inducing procedures

• Provides potential study sponsors with quotes for proposed studies

• Ensures all tasks are performed on daily schedule

• Performs surgical procedures

• Performs research technicians' tasks, as needed

• Prepares high quality and accurate data package for clients

• Keeps track of project timelines for forecasting purposes

• Oversees coordinating of all studies and allocates resources

• Identifies and is accountable for driving ways to improve the efficiency and quality of processes and the resulting deliverables, influencing key stakeholders as applicable

• Writes IACUC protocols

• Strategic thinking around process improvement, business development, and overall study operations

• Other duties may be assigned

• A basic understanding of integrated physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology is required.
• Previous pre‑clinical in vivo laboratory experience including handling of research rodents is required.
• Industry research experience is highly preferred.
• Research experience in therapeutic area is highly preferred.

• MS degree in related scientific discipline (e.g., Physiology, Pharmacology) and at least 3-5 years of experience of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required

• Ph.D. degree in related scientific discipline (e.g., Physiology, Pharmacology) is highly preferred.

• In-depth understanding of in vivo rodent models of musculoskeletal disease, including osteoarthritis (OA), and multi‑system physiology, as well as in vitro analyses of pathobiology and disease biomarkers.
• Strong understanding in osteoarthritis biology, disease progression, translational biomarkers, and the application of preclinical OA models to support therapeutic development.
• Proficient in rodent surgical techniques, including survival and non‑survival procedures, with experience performing and managing surgically induced disease models. Experience with OA‑related surgical models (e.g., DMM, MMT, ACLT, or other joint injury models) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, communication (both oral and written), time management, and interpersonal skills within a cross‑functional scientific environment.
• Must actively participate and work effectively in a collaborative, team‑oriented setting.
• Strong understanding of study design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical pharmacology and disease model data.
• Adept at data management, analysis, interpretation, and reduction, with the ability to communicate findings clearly to scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to author, review, and manage the production of scientific documents, including preclinical study protocols, data packages, technical reports, regulatory‑supporting documentation, and publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience leading scientific programs, mentoring technical staff, and interacting with sponsors or external collaborators is preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Graph Pad Prism desired.
• Shows flexibility and ability to apply his/her knowledge to new areas of study.
• Commitment to safety and the humane treatment of laboratory animals is required.

• Results…