Technical Director - Chemistry Operations

About McKinney Specialty Labs

McKinney Specialty Labs is a leading provider of analytical and in vitro toxicology testing services, specializing in a diverse array of nicotine-containing products. With a portfolio of over 300 validated scientific methods and cutting-edge aerosol generation capabilities, we deliver best-in-class product testing and global regulatory science solutions.

Backed by decades of industry experience, our scientists are not only experts in nicotine product testing but also thought leaders who actively contribute to the development of industry standards. Our commitment to scientific excellence ensures we meet and exceed the evolving demands of global regulatory requirements for nicotine products.

Operating from our state-of-the-art facility in Richmond, Virginia, we are proud to offer our clients services rooted in our core values:
Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, and Respect.

At McKinney Specialty Labs, we’re not just shaping the future of nicotine product testing — we’re building a workplace where talented professionals thrive. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options.

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The Technical Director is responsible for production groups related to generating data and handling samples. They ensure the timely & profitable production of chemical measurement services. The Technical Director can provide staff development services, career path evaluations and ensures the lab staff is developing necessary skills and abilities for the work today and in the future. The Technical Director is the laboratory’s lead test & measurements technical resource, responsible for improving procedures and implementation of new technologies to reduce costs, and maximize operating efficiencies by effectively managing and developing available technology solutions.

The Technical Director improves efficiencies by minimizing down-time and maximizing instrument through-put and assisting the Group Leaders in training staff to operate new & existing test and measurement equipment. As part of Chemistry Operations, this Technical Director would have knowledge of multiple chemistry instruments and processes to successfully train and guide lab techs, analysts, and provide strategic decisions around Chemistry Operations.

There may be two technical directors within the same business unit as long as their responsibilities are separate and well defined.

• Coordinate work scheduling and laboratory resource allocation
• Meet TAT, financial, and quality objectives
• Supervise and manage adherence to QA/QC, hold time, and turnaround requirements
• Assesses production capacity, and provides solutions for human resources, technical, and quality issues
• Assign and clearly communicating operational priorities
• Allocate lab resources to meet client schedule & requirements
• May supervise Group Leaders, other supervisors, and staff
• Assist with and conducting employee performance reviews and audits
• May project staffing needs for the department
• QA: staff training and performance management when direct reports are present

To perform this job successfully, individuals must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and responsibilities.

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry
• The Technical Director must meet the requirements of the accrediting body of the laboratory.
• The Technical Director will meet all of the requirements of a Group Leader plus have technical expertise for most of the assays performed throughout their areas of responsibility.
• Understanding of Chemistry methodology and instrumentation for at least two of the following groups: GC, GCMS, LC, LCMS, ICPMS
• Strong scientific and chemistry expertise
• Analytical thinking to solve technical problems
• Strong Research and Development Skills
• Effective communication skills
• Supe…