Senior Director of Cellular & In Vitro Services

DEPARTMENT:
Applied Sciences/Research and Innovation

REPORTS TO:

President & CEO

LOCATION:

Lexington, MA/moving to Waltham, MA Q1 2027 (on-site) POSITION SUMMARY

The Sr. Director, In Vitro and Cell Based Sciences is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and financial performance of the company’s In Vitro and Cell-Based Sciences business unit. This executive will oversee the equipment purchase and placement, staffing, and operations of the new in vitro testing laboratories. This executive will serve as a senior scientific and business leader and is responsible for developing and leading the organization’s growth strategy through selection and optimization of services and ensuring high quality and on-time delivery.

The individual capabilities in cell-based testing, in vitro methods, toxicology, and biological evaluation will be selected based on the evolving needs of the biotech, pharma, and medical device clientele. The role has full responsibility for departmental profit and loss, laboratory operations, personnel leadership, and long-term strategic growth.

Salary range is $150,000 – $250,000/year. (Please note, salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and certifications.)

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the In Vitro and Cell Based service business.
• Establish annual departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and growth objectives.
• Build and maintain a high-performing scientific and operational organization.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to corporate strategy and operational planning.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, customer service, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Laboratory Operations

Provide executive oversight of the Company’s Cellular and In Vitro Sciences testing laboratory. With assistance from the Cellular and In Vitro Facilities Manager, responsibilities include:

• Ensure laboratory operations meet applicable GLP requirements and internal quality standards.
• Oversee study scheduling, resource allocation, and laboratory capacity planning.
• Monitor study execution to ensure scientific quality and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure timely delivery of accurate study reports.
  Direct laboratory managers and technical leadership.
• Oversee laboratory equipment acquisition, maintenance, validation, and capital planning.
• Ensure laboratory methods remain current with evolving scientific standards.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop strategies to improve turnaround times while maintaining quality.
• Manage laboratory expansion initiatives as business demands increase.

Financial Accountability (P&L)

Maintain full profit and loss responsibility for the Cellular and In Vitro Sciences business.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop annual operating budgets.
• Prepare revenue forecasts.
• Optimize staffing levels.
• Review financial performance monthly.
• Identify opportunities for new revenue streams and service offerings.

Required:

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in life sciences, biomedical engineering, toxicology, biology, materials science, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, or related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in required in in vitro testing, toxicology, or materials safety within the medical device or combination product arena.
• Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience, including managing scientific teams and cross-site functions.
• Management or leadership role within a biotech, medical device, or pharmaceutical company, or FDA preferred. Proven success in managing operations in organizations with $30M+ in revenue.

Preferred:

• Proven record…