Scientific Director

Transpharmation Ltd.; Fergus; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic preclinical contract research organization is seeking a Scientific Director in Fergus, Ontario. This pivotal role involves leading research studies for therapeutic development, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing sponsor relationships. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in scientific research and project management, with a veterinary or related science degree.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Benefits

Friendly work atmosphere

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of direct experience in a related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience managing projects and research activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage animal studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, conduct, and reporting of research supporting novel therapeutics.
• Manage relationships with sponsors and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Guide study execution while maintaining high scientific standards.

Skills

Project Management

Scientific Research

Communication

Education

Veterinary or graduate level science degree or B.Sc. degree in Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry

Tools

Scientific Instruments

Laboratory Management Systems

Job description

Transpharmation is a dynamic preclinical contract research organization that specializes in high-quality, translational drug discovery services. The company provides a friendly and team-oriented work atmosphere as well as competitive wages and benefits.

We’re seeking a motivated Scientific Director to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the design, conduct, and reporting of research studies that support the development of novel therapeutics for human and animal health.

The Scientific Director (SD) is the primary individual responsible for the management and integrity of the design, conduct, and reporting of a research project and for managing, monitoring and ensuring the integrity of Sponsor relationships. The SD is charged to conduct objective research that generates independent, high quality, and reproduceable results. Additionally, the SD is responsible for the direction and oversight of regulatory compliance, compliance with Transpharmation and Sponsor policy, financial, personnel, and other related aspects of the research project.

The SD will have a solid understanding of each individual’s roles and responsibilities within the company and within research studies. The SD will also be involved in business development working closely with the VP of the department, Chief Scientific Officer and Business Development teams.

Duties And Responsibilities

Key Activities

• Develop study proposals and protocols that align with client objectives and internal capabilities, including budget and resource planning.
• Serve as the primary scientific point of contact for clients—understand their research goals, propose relevant animal models, and maintain strong communication throughout the study.
• Lead all aspects of study execution, ensuring high scientific standards, adherence to timelines, and compliance with regulatory and internal quality protocols.
• Provide strategic guidance on model selection, study design, data interpretation, and reporting; act as the subject matter expert across scientific platforms
• Act as a liaison between clients and internal operations, coordinating with study coordinators, technical teams, and business development to align on goals and timelines.
• Ensure all studies meet internal quality standards and comply with applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborate with scientific writers to generate accurate, detailed study reports and address client feedback as needed.
• Identify opportunities for new or optimized research models based on market trends and client needs.
• Assist in preparing quotes, amending costs based on study changes, and advising the finance and sales teams on project pricing.
• Support internal training, mentor junior staff, and promote collaboration across departments to ensure operational excellence.
• Represent the company at conferences and trade shows, supporting business development as a scientific ambassador (North America and international travel up to 5% of time may be required)
  
  

SUPERVISORY

• Act as a scientific representative in business development efforts, contributing expertise to support client engagement and proposal development.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and trade shows (up to 5% travel, both domestic and international).
• Provide hands-on training and technical guidance to new employees, internal teams, and visitors.
• Build strong working relationships with study coordinators and technical staff to ensure study timelines, logistics, and expectations are clearly communicated and met.
• Maintain situational awareness of active studies, proactively addressing any issues by facilitating clear and timely communication between clients and internal teams.
• Stay informed of internal capabilities to ensure studies are matched with the appropriate expertise and resources.
  
  

INTERACTION

This position requires interaction with all departments, as well as Sponsors and the scientific community while attending trade shows.

COMMUNICATION

Communications are with all departments and employees within the organization as well as communication with external companies. Collaboration, execution, and reporting of the quality assurance program. Verbal communication is required to request and receive instructions for work, to report on activities, results, problems, and to participate in planning and scheduling of work and equipment use. Written communication is required for accurate and detailed recording of procedures, for reporting results and for completing documentation. Reading and comprehension of scientific publications, written protocols and manuals is essential.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT

Generally working indoors. Occasional periods of several hours per day exposed to noxious odours from diagnostic materials and/or samples. There will also be the occasional need to work with chemicals in a controlled environment.

RISK TO HEALTH

There will be the occasional exposure to small quantities of toxic irritant or corrosive chemicals as well as exposure to freezers (-80C) and liquid nitrogen (-200C) while storing, retrieving, shipping, and receiving materials. There will be exposure to zoonotic diseases. There will also be repetitive physical activities. There will be occasional periods of several hours per day performing physically repetitive procedures (typing, etc.). There is also a potential for digital eye strain resulting from prolonged computer use.

Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The demands of this position include: standing, bending, twisting, lifting, carrying liquid containers, carrying boxes weighing up to 20 kg and daily periods of keyboarding.

PHYSICAL DEXTERITY

Agility, accuracy and consistency will be required while handling precision instruments such as, pipettes, balances, pH meters, surgical instruments. Strong fine motor skills in fingers, hands, and arms.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Veterinary or graduate level science degree or B.Sc. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry) with at least 3 years of direct experience
  
  

Experience

• 3-5 years’ experience managing projects, research activities, and collaborative initiatives in a science delivery environment.
• Demonstrated experience and comfort in managing animal studies.
• Experience in the delivery of diagnostic or reference laboratory services under a system of quality.
• Experience in planning and managing human and financial resources.
• Experience in managing communications and high-level preparation of study related documentation.
• Experience conducting safety and efficacy studies.
• Experience handling confidential laboratory and scientific data
• Experience executing administrative strategies
• Proven organizational skills and attention to details
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
  
  

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the principles of biology, pharmacology, chemistry
• Knowledge of the principles of safe handling of potentially pathogenic substances and contaminated materials
• Knowledge of CCAC and OMAFRA regulations
• Familiar with the following acts and regulations: ISO Guide 17025 (1990) and GLP (both Code of Federal Regulations and OECD guidelines).
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety practices
• Knowledge of the principles of scientific research
• Knowledge and understanding of Transpharmation’s Standard Operating Procedures
• Knowledge of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases
• Knowledge of therapeutic development regulatory guidelines.
• Familiar with development of new products for human and animal health care.