Director, Toxicology

McKinney-Specialty-Labs; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinney Specialty Labs, located in Richmond, VA, seeks a Director of Toxicology to lead scientific, operational, and people functions within the Toxicology group. You will ensure high-quality, compliant, and timely testing while expanding capabilities to meet client needs and grow the business.

The role requires strong leadership, deep toxicology expertise, and experience managing resources in a regulated laboratory environment. Competitive compensation accompanies a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Toxicology, Genetics, or related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive laboratory management or leadership experience.
• Experience in cell biology and microbial assays.
• Previous exposure to mechanistic toxicology and/or descriptive toxicology.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical teams, laboratory resources, and competing priorities.
• Experience working within laboratory quality systems and regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical leadership for Toxicology testing, methodologies, and laboratory activities.
• Direct Toxicology operations to meet quality, turnaround time, and client commitments.
• Lead, coach, and develop managers, Group Leaders, scientists, analysts, and other assigned staff.
• Develop long-term strategy and capability roadmap for Toxicology based on client and business needs.
• Support business development and client discussions by evaluating technical feasibility and resource requirements.

Job description

Description

About McKinney Specialty Labs

McKinney Specialty Labs is an innovative scientific organization that draws upon decades of extensive expertise in testing nicotine and other aerosolized products. We employ subject matter experts with extensive scientific knowledge, utilize robust and validated analytical methods, and offer testing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Our mission is to deliver best-in-class product testing and global regulatory science solutions to our clients through our experience, people and technology. We accomplish this by offering our clients the highest quality testing services in a state-of-the-art facility, all conducted according to our Values: Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, and Respect.

We are a new and growing company located in Richmond, Virginia. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental, vision and 401 (k).

To learn more, please visit our company website: https://mckinneysl.com/

Position Summary

The Director of Toxicology provides scientific, operational, and people leadership for McKinney Specialty Labs' Toxicology function. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, scientifically sound, compliant, and timely laboratory testing while effectively managing personnel, resources, capacity, and departmental performance. The Director develops the Toxicology team and laboratory capabilities to meet current and future client needs and partners with Quality, Operations, Client/Program Management, and leadership to support business objectives and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific & Quality Leadership

• Provide scientific and technical leadership for Toxicology testing, methodologies, and laboratory activities.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and scientific validity of analyses and data generated.
• Monitor QA/QC performance and ensure compliance with applicable SOPs, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead technical problem-solving, investigations, and continuous improvement activities.
• Identify opportunities to expand or strengthen Toxicology capabilities.

Laboratory Operations

• Direct Toxicology operations to meet quality, turnaround time, and client commitments.
• Manage staffing, workload, equipment, and laboratory capacity to ensure effective use of resources.
• Establish efficient workflows and monitor productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure appropriate training and cross-training to maintain adequate laboratory coverage and technical capability.
• Partner with laboratory leadership to anticipate and address resource and capacity needs.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop managers, Group Leaders, scientists, analysts, and other assigned staff.
• Establish goals, provide ongoing feedback, and conduct performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Develop technical capabilities, career paths, and succession plans for the Toxicology team.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.

Business & Strategic Management

• Manage departmental performance, including staff utilization, productivity, supply costs, and other key performance indicators.
• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, staffing, equipment, and capital planning.
• Develop the long-term strategy and capability roadmap for Toxicology based on anticipated client and business needs.
• Support business development and client discussions by evaluating technical feasibility, resource requirements, and laboratory capabilities.

Leadership & Technical Competencies

• Strong scientific and technical expertise in toxicology and related laboratory methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and laboratory operations.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance scientific quality, operational efficiency, client needs, and business priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through changing priorities and support organizational growth.

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Toxicology, Genetics, or related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive laboratory management or leadership experience.
• Experience in cell biology and microbial assays.
• Previous exposure to mechanistic toxicology and or descriptive toxicology.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical teams, laboratory resources, and competing priorities.
• Experience working within laboratory quality systems and regulated environments.

Preferred

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Toxicology or related scientific discipline.
• Experience in a GLP-regulated laboratory environment and knowledge of 21 CFR Part 58.
• Experience with toxicology method development, validation, and/or expansion of laboratory capabilities.
• Experience with budgeting, resource planning, and client-facing scientific discussions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified.

We believe in transparent compensation practices. The expected salary range for this position is $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year. Starting pay will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the requirements of the role.

Application Process

McKinney Specialty Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. McKinney Specialty Labs does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices based on race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, non-job-related disability, or status as a veteran.