Vice President of Preclinical Research & Development

As an integral part of the Lovelace Leadership Team, the Vice President of Preclinical Research & Development will develop and lead the all of the Institute’s Contract Research activities and functions to optimize our scientific operations and develop and expand research revenue.

The Vice President will play a critical role in driving the execution of research and business development initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and fostering innovation across Lovelace’s scientific functional areas, specifically:

• Operational Leadership: Lead the seamless daily operations of Lovelace’s research facility.  Will utilize prior industry experience to optimize resource allocation, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold rigorous scientific standards.  Understanding best industry practices, will identify opportunities for process enhancements to accelerate research outcomes.
• Scientific Guidance: Apply technical knowledge, preferably in the Institute’s areas of expertise including toxicology, to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams.  Influence research methodologies, experimental design and data analysis approaches.
• Market Trends & Innovation: Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies and scientific advancements.  Evaluate potential impacts of industry changes on Lovelace and recommend and implement strategies for leveraging new opportunities.
• Business Development & Client Management: Drive business growth by initiating and nurturing collaborations with commercial research partners.  Cultivate relationships with clients and stakeholders to obtain new business opportunities and enhance Lovelace’s research revenue.
• Team Management & Mentorship: Manage and mentor a team of scientific leaders and associated technical support staff.  Foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and professional growth.  Develop staffing plans and work with the Human Resources Department to design an overall talent strategy to achieve research goals.
• Resource Oversight: Manage budgets, timelines and resource allocation with precision to ensure research projects are executed efficiently and effectively, and within budget.
• Government Collaboration: In addition to developing commercial revenue, will leverage Lovelace’s scientific capabilities to identify Federal Government research opportunities to develop additional revenue streams.
• Regulatory Oversight: Uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance with all regulatory bodies to include the USDA, FDA, CDC, and other similar governmental regulators, as well as ensuring adherence to the regulatory expectations of commercial customers.

Requires a Ph.D., preferably in toxicology or pharmaceutical sciences, and a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in CRO scientific operations, to include significant leadership roles; or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.  Requires a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated senior managerial experience leading large and diverse teams performing preclinical research and development.

The Vice President must have a comprehensive understanding of all applicable regulatory frameworks and an established history of successfully navigating regulatory challenges; exceptional leadership acumen evidenced by a track record of effectively leading and mentoring scientific teams; proven experience in collaborating with Federal Government agencies including a successful history of securing contracts and partnerships; demonstrated success in driving business development initiatives leading to sustained revenue growth and increased market share; and proficient negotiation skills with the ability to establish and maintain successful client relationships.  This position requires strong networking skills capable of building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in academia, industry and government.

The successful candidate must have strong financial acumen and detailed experience managing budgets, resource allocation and financial forecasting, to include overseeing the purchase and use of research supplies and equipment, research animals, and developing appropriate staffing support levels.  Must also have a results-oriented approach and the ability to consistently drive projects to successful completion while exceeding targets, and the ability to leverage technology and data to enhance operational efficiency and decision making.

Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to lead large research groups; be adept at leading change management initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proven ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment and make effective decisions under pressure. 

Requires unquestionable integrity and ethical standards, and a track record of consistently upholding the highest level of professionalism, scientific integrity and confidentiality.  Must also have professional-level communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with a broad variety of executives, scientific leaders, technical staff, administrative support staff, and all other Institute stakeholders.

Prior experience in toxicology research, with strong preference given to prior experience in inhalation toxicology.

Work is performed in an office environment.  Will operate standard office equipment and will frequently stand, walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, perform repetitive motions and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of physical requirements.  The Institute will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Lovelace Biomedical is an Equal Opportunity Employer