Scientific Director

Lighthouse Lab Services is partnering with an innovative high-complexity toxicology laboratory to identify an experienced Scientific Director in Indianapolis, IN to provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership across its clinical and forensic drug testing laboratories.

This executive-level position serves as the laboratory's designated Laboratory Director, overseeing scientific operations, regulatory compliance, quality systems, research and development initiatives, and toxicology consultation services. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in forensic toxicology with strong leadership skills and a passion for advancing laboratory quality, innovation, and client service.

The Role You'll Play

Scientific & Laboratory Leadership

• Provide scientific and technical oversight for a high-complexity clinical and forensic toxicology laboratory.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape laboratory strategy, growth initiatives, and operational excellence.
• Ensure laboratory operations consistently meet CLIA, CAP, state licensure, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts, proficiency testing, and laboratory accreditation activities.
• Review and approve laboratory procedures, validations, quality documentation, and technical protocols.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and testing methodologies that enhance laboratory performance and efficiency.

Regulatory & Quality Oversight

• Maintain laboratory compliance with CLIA, CAP Forensic Drug Testing Accreditation, OSHA, and applicable state regulatory agencies.
• Oversee laboratory quality assurance programs and corrective action processes.
• Ensure personnel competency programs are established, maintained, and documented.
• Provide technical oversight for laboratory policies, procedures, and quality systems.

Research, Development & Innovation

• Direct research and development initiatives supporting new assay development and laboratory advancements.
• Review and approve instrument validations and laboratory information system changes.
• Collaborate with laboratory operations to successfully transition validated methods into production.

Client Consultation & Expert Support

• Serve as the organization's primary toxicology consultant, providing interpretation of laboratory results and scientific guidance to clients.
• Participate in client education and scientific presentations.
• Act as the laboratory's designated expert witness, preparing reports and providing testimony for legal proceedings when required.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and develop laboratory scientists, technical leaders, and quality personnel.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on scientific excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in executive and laboratory leadership meetings to support organizational objectives.

What We're Looking For

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology, or another related laboratory science field, or an MD/DO meeting Laboratory Director requirements.
• Board certification that satisfies CLIA and applicable state Laboratory Director requirements.
• Minimum of two years directing or supervising high-complexity laboratory testing.
• Strong background in forensic toxicology and drugs-of-abuse testing.
• Experience serving as a Laboratory Director within a CLIA-regulated laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining CAP and CLIA compliance.
• Experience providing expert witness testimony and scientific consultation is required.
• New York Laboratory Director qualifications are strongly preferred.
• Experience with alternative specimen matrices (oral fluid, hair, blood) is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Extensive knowledge of high-complexity laboratory operations and quality systems.
• Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and state laboratory regulations.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
• Exceptional scientific writing and technical communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex toxicology concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Experience with laboratory information systems (LIMS/LIS) and validation processes.
• Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and…