Associate Director, Regional Pathology

North American Science Associates, Inc.; Northwood (OH); On-site; USD 152,000 - 297,000; Full time

Job summary

NAMSA is seeking a seasoned veterinary pathologist to provide scientific oversight of anatomic pathology evaluations across regional studies. You will review protocols, ensure scientific rigor, and support regulatory submissions while maintaining GLP-compliant processes.

The role leads pathology operations, manages staff, and collaborates with study directors, quality assurance, and cross-functional teams to enhance turnaround times and data quality.

Qualifications

• DVM or MD degree from an accredited university is required.
• Board certification in anatomic pathology by ACVP/ECVP or equivalent is desired.
• 3 years of related work experience.
• Familiarity with GLP, FDA, OECD, ISO and regulatory study requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as study pathologist for nonclinical studies under regulatory standards.
• Lead regional pathology operations to optimize staffing and resources.
• Review study protocols, pathology designs and interpret findings with clients and study directors.
• Develop and implement workflow improvements to boost productivity and quality.
• Provide training, coaching, and performance development for pathology staff.
• Support audits, quality oversight, and regulatory submissions as needed.

Skills

Pathology expertise

Regulatory know-how

Leadership & mentoring

Education

DVM or MD from accredited university

Board certification in anatomic pathology desired

Job description

NAMSA pioneered the industry and was the first independent company in the world to focus solely on medical device materials for safety. NAMSA started testing medical devices before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started regulating such products in 1976.We are shaping the industry. NAMSA has been a key contributor to the development of the test methods that govern our industry. We have become the industry’s premier provider. We provide support for clients during every step of the product development lifecycle and beyond.Come and work for an organization with the:Vision to inspire innovative MedTech solutions that advance global healthcare, improve patient lives and accelerate Client success and theMission to deliver best-in-class global MedTech development solutions through our people, expertise and technology by adhering to our coreValues:Act with integrity in everything we do.Provide best-in-class customer experiences.Develop superior talent and deliver expertise.Respond with agility and provide timely results.Embrace collaboration, diverse perspectives and ideas.Compensation Target:$220,000.00Job Description:Job Profile Summary• Provide scientific oversight and guidance for anatomic pathology evaluations conducted within the region.• Review study protocols, proposals, and pathology study designs to ensure scientific rigor and successful execution.• Support clients and regulatory agencies by providing pathology expertise for study interpretation, regulatory submissions, and scientific consultations.• Ensure pathology assessments are conducted in accordance with applicable GLP, OECD, FDA, ISO, and other regulatory or compendial requirements.• Maintain consistency, quality, and accuracy of pathology diagnoses across pathologists and sites.• Serve as a pathology subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders.• Perform pathology evaluations and slide reviews as necessary to support study timelines, client commitments, and business needs.• Lead regional pathology operations to ensure efficient utilization of personnel and resources.• Develop and implement workflow optimization initiatives to improve productivity, turnaround times, quality, and client satisfaction.• Establish and monitor departmental metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational dashboards.• Collaborate with histology, necropsy, study directors, quality assurance, and laboratory operations teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.• Support the introduction, validation, and implementation of new pathology methodologies, technologies, and service offerings.• Ensure adequate staffing and resource planning to meet current and future business demands.• Directly manage and develop pathologists and pathology staff within the US.• Conduct performance management activities including goal setting, coaching, performance reviews, succession planning, and career development.• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts for pathology personnel.• Assign workloads and monitor resource allocation to ensure study commitments are met.• Develop and maintain pathology training programs and competency assessment processes.• Coordinate peer review programs and diagnostic quality initiatives.• Ensure adherence to GLP regulations, client requirements, SOPs, and applicable regulatory standards.• Support internal audits, regulatory inspections, client audits, and corrective action initiatives.• Maintain competency evaluation, peer review, and quality oversight programs.• Promote a culture of scientific integrity, data quality, and regulatory compliance.• Partner with senior leadership in developing departmental goals, growth strategies, and long-term operational plans.• Identify opportunities to expand pathology service offerings and increase organizational capabilities.• Perform pathology evaluations, microscopic examinations, peer reviews, and pathology consultations as needed to meet client commitments, support business demands, expand department capacity, and maintain personal diagnostic competency and board certification requirements.• Contribute to revenue growth through operational efficiencies, expanded service capacity, and scientific consultation.• Participate in business development activities, client interactions, and proposal development as needed.• Represent the organization at scientific conferences, industry meetings, professional societies, and compendial working groups.• Other duties as assigned.Qualifications & Technical Competencies:Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesServes as the study pathologist for nonclinical studies conducted in compliance with applicable FDA and other national and international regulatory agency standards.Performs pathology services, to include 1) development of protocol pathology methodologies, 2) interpretation of gross, microscopic and clinical pathology study data (if applicable), 3) consultation with clients and study directors on pathology findings, and 4) completion of timely and accurate protocol-driven pathology reports.Collaborates with facility veterinarians as needed to generate diagnostic pathology data and interpretation of results in support of colony health objectives and needs.Participates in necropsies as appropriate and may train Associates participating in necropsies.Provides technical guidance to histologist on histological preparations.Assists in training department personnel in gross pathology and histology procedures, with guidance based on client goals, organizational needs, and company policy.Completes study reports and pathology assignments according to management study prioritization schedule.Works in conjunction with the Quality and Scientific Affairs to develop and maintain study integrity and GLP compliant processes.Represents NAMSA through seminars, client visits, and shows. This includes writing articles for publication or presentation.Maintains a GLP-compliant workspace, performs calibration/validation activities as required, operates equipment and performs tasks in compliance with all applicable SOPs.Assists in research to develop techniques for identifying and interpreting pathological conditions.Maintains a GLP-compliant workspace, performs calibration/validation activities as required, operates equipment and performs tasks in compliance with all applicable SOPs.Other duties may be assigned.Qualifications and SkillsDegree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Medical Doctor (MD) from an accredited university is required.Board certified in anatomic pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP), or equivalent bodies is desired.Technical Competencies3 years of related work experience.Working ConditionsThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to, and comes in contact with, a variety of livestock, domestic and laboratory animals. The employee routinely uses and is exposed to sharp objects, formaldehyde and other toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to fluoroscopy and may occasionally be exposed to blood borne pathogens and zoonotic diseases.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and work/type at a computer. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit, and is occasionally required to use large and small hand-held cutting tools to perform large and small, sometimes meticulous, incisions and cuttings as appropriate. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and up to 100 pounds with assistance. Employee may be required to view computer monitors and stand for extended periods of time.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.Working Conditions:Position descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and efforts or working conditions associated with a job. NAMSA reserves the right to revise duties as needed.The compensation grade range for this position is:$152,300.00 - $296,600.00-AnnualPlease Note: Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.NAMSA is an equal employment opportunity company.NAMSA participates in pre-employment background and drug screen processes aligned to local, state and federal laws.