Scientific Director

American Esoteric Laboratories; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place to Work certified

Job summary

Clinical Pathology Laboratories, Inc. seeks a Scientific Director to provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership across the laboratory organization.

Drive validation, implementation, and optimization of new testing methodologies while ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality standards. The Director will mentor staff, collaborate with Medical Directors, Quality, and operations to advance CPL initiatives and growth, supporting services to physicians, patients, and clients

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related discipline is required.
• Minimum five years of leadership or management experience in a clinical laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for implementing new clinical laboratory tests, platforms and R&D initiatives.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and quality across testing processes.
• Oversee development, validation, and implementation of new testing methodologies.
• Mentor scientists and laboratory staff; develop training and competency programs.
• Engage with physicians, clients, regulatory agencies to support services and CPL objectives.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Regulatory compliance

Quality systems

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science

Job description

Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Position Qualifications:

We're not just a workplace - we're a Great Place to Work certified employer! Proudly certified as a Great Place to Work, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. At Sonic Healthcare USA, we emphasize teamwork and innovation. Check out our job openings and advance your career with a company that values its team members! Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL), a Sonic Healthcare USA company, is seeking an experienced and visionary Scientific Director to provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership across the laboratory organization. The Scientific Director is responsible for overseeing the implementation, validation, and optimization of new testing methodologies, platforms, and research and development initiatives while ensuring scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and exceptional quality standards. This role serves as a key collaborator with Medical Directors, Technical Laboratory Operations, Quality, and laboratory leadership to advance strategic initiatives, support operational excellence, and enhance service to physicians, patients, and clients. The Scientific Director will drive innovation, mentor scientific staff, and contribute to the organization's long-term growth through scientific expertise and operational partnership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Scientific & Technical Leadership

Provide scientific leadership and oversight for the implementation of new clinical laboratory tests, testing platforms, and research and development initiatives. Ensure the scientific validity, integrity, and regulatory compliance of all laboratory testing processes. Direct the technical development, validation, verification, and implementation of new testing methodologies. Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend innovative testing solutions in collaboration with Medical Directors and laboratory leadership. Determine and recommend the most appropriate testing platforms for clinical applications. Ensure testing systems and methodologies consistently deliver accurate, reliable, and high-quality laboratory services. Serve as a scientific subject matter expert and resource for laboratory leadership, clients, and healthcare providers.

Operational Excellence & Quality

Partner with laboratory operations leaders to support quality, service, productivity, and organizational goals. Collaborate across departments to ensure successful project execution and implementation of new services. Participate in Quality Management, Quality Improvement, Operations calls, and management meetings. Facilitate go-live planning and execution for new laboratory tests and platforms. Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, state, federal, and other applicable regulatory requirements. Support inspection readiness and assist with responses to regulatory and accreditation findings. Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

Coordinate and support long-range planning initiatives related to laboratory testing capabilities, technology investments, and regulatory developments. Stay informed about advances in laboratory science, diagnostics, and healthcare technology. Provide recommendations regarding future laboratory services, testing platforms, and scientific capabilities. Support organizational initiatives focused on process improvement, efficiency, quality, and growth. Champion Lean Six Sigma principles and support continuous improvement projects throughout the organization.

Leadership & Staff Development

Mentor scientists and laboratory professionals in clinical testing methodologies, instrumentation, and technical competencies. Support the development of training programs, competency assessments, and continuing education initiatives. Provide scientific guidance and coaching to laboratory personnel. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and professional development. Influence and lead cross-functional teams to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Develop and maintain strong relationships with physicians, clients, regulatory agencies, and industry partners. Assist with the development of client communications related to testing services, methodology changes, and new offerings. Collaborate with Medical Directors and operational leaders to deliver exceptional service and support to clients and patients. Serve as a scientific representative of CPL and Sonic Healthcare USA as needed.

Qualifications

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline required.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of laboratory leadership or management experience within a clinical laboratory environment. Experience overseeing multiple laboratory disciplines and testing areas. Demonstrated experience leading test development, method validation, implementation, and quality initiatives. Strong knowledge of laboratory regulatory and accreditation requirements. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, testing methodologies, and quality systems. Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP, state, and federal laboratory regulations. Proven ability to lead scientific and operational initiatives in a complex healthcare environment. Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills. Strong quality management and quality monitoring expertise. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills. Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders effectively. Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.

Why Join CPL?

At Clinical Pathology Laboratories, a Sonic Healthcare USA company, we are committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic services that improve patient outcomes and support healthcare providers nationwide. The Scientific Director will play a vital role in advancing laboratory innovation, quality, compliance, and operational excellence while helping shape the future of laboratory medicine.

• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Work Shift: Job Category: Laboratory Operations
• Company: Clinical Pathology Laboratories, Inc.

Sonic Healthcare USA is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to an inclusive workplace for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

About Sonic Healthcare USA

Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostic companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laboratory services and pathology practices throughout the USA with eight operating divisions and nearly eight thousand US-based employees, 330 Pathologists and serving over 30 million patients per year. Sonic Healthcare USA operates under a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve.

For more information, visit the Sonic Healthcare website at www.sonichealthcareusa.com.