What we do?

Virscio is a specialty translational research organization developing and providing innovative in vivo disease modeling, histopathology, and molecular preclinical research and development services to meet the translational, and regulatory research needs of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. We specialize in the fields of ophthalmology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immunology related disease and disorders, and have advanced discovery and development programs for a wide network of sponsors, collaborators, and partners around the world, ranging from large pharmaceutical companies and venture-backed biotechnology companies to academic teams seeking to apply the most cutting-edge research and development strategies in the most efficient and robust manner.

 

What will you do?

The Director of Research Operations (DRO) oversees the technical team and testing facility infrastructure essential for preclinical study execution.  The DRO works closely with the Chief Scientific Officer, Facility Director, Study Directors, veterinarians, sample management, project management, and quality assurance in achieving scientific, animal care and quality goals.  The DRO additionally works with the training department and subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure all research technicians and research support personnel are trained to fulfill responsibilities.

Reports To
Chief Scientific Officer 

Location

Onsite St. Kitts 

 

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Leadership: Lead technician teams supporting Study Directors in the executing of preclinical studies, coordinating technician department and study assignments, schedules, and professional development.  Oversee research infrastructure maintenance, quality, safety, and associated corrective and preventative actions. Provide and coordinate Research Operations teams training.
2. Protocol Compliance: Ensure study participant familiarity and compliance with study protocols and corresponding IACUC protocols.
3. Data Integrity and Management: Ensure data capture and management performed by research technicians is conducted in compliance with the data collection plan for all studies, ensuring data acquisition, documentation, quality control, collation, and analysis is conducted in accordance with study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practice. Serve as applications SME or Application Owner (AO) for research operation software, e.g., LabGuru LIMS system, electronic animal records, and Eupry environmental monitoring.
4. Documentation: Supervise research technical team documentation for all studies to ensure study data and events, including protocol deviations, unanticipated test system responses, and appropriate corrective action are accurately verified and documented at the time that they occur.
5. QC/QA: Supervise and apply processes to ensure research technical team data (paper and electronic records) and equipment maintenance logs undergo appropriate quality control and Quality Assurance (QA) review, as appropriate, prior to reporting, archiving or external distribution. Contributes to SOP maintenance and preparation for compliance audits and response to QA findings.  Implement CAPA.
6. Operations Compliance and Outcome Reporting: Oversee occupational safety and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) programs. Develop annual occupational safety and CAPA reports for management to guide improvements to practice and risk reduction.
7. Communication: Communicate management actions, policy updates and operationally critical information to Research Technician and research support teams, advising Team Leads in their communication to teams.  
8. Third-Party Engagement: Engage with vendors and suppliers to identify laboratory equipment and supplies required for effective preclinical research and improvements to practice.
9. Business Development: Host client and vendor visits, representing and presenting the facility research operations.  Contribute to preparation for compliance audits of preclinical research and animal programs.
10. Capability Expansion: Lead implementation of improvements to research operations in consultation with the CEO and CBO and provide training/consultation where appropriate.

 

Who are we looking for?

• Education level/Certifications/Licensures
  • Requires BS in the life sciences or related field.
• Experience
  • Minimum 10 years laboratory experience working in vivo models, including nonhuman primate GLP studies.
  • Minimum of 8 years’ experience managing large teams (i.e., 40-50 employees).
• Specific competencies
  • Expertise in primate research methodologies.
  • Strong strategic leadership skills.
  • Ability to train and coach new leaders.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including technical writing.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent accountability, attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and time pressured environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, electronic data capture and quality management systems.
• Travel expectations
  • 5% to attend conferences as a presenter and/or supervisor.

 

What we offer?

Virscio provides a competitive, flexible, and comprehensive benefits package that can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Our benefits are designed to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families, offering affordable healthcare coverage, retirement savings plan, and a wide range of voluntary benefits for financial protection and peace of mind, among many other perks.

We are committed to fostering an environment where you feel engaged, empowered, and passionate about your work, while promoting collaborative and empathetic interactions with others.

Virscio is bridging the translational gap with critical research to define solutions for significant unmet health challenges. Every day, our community brings their best selves to this shared mission. Join us on our journey and become part of our community.