Associate Director, Inlife Operations

Frontage Laboratories•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Frontage Laboratories is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director of Inlife Operations to lead, manage, and develop the Inlife Operations team at its nonclinical toxicology Contract Research Organization (CRO). The role oversees macro- and micro-scheduling of study activities, resource utilization, team training and development, and continuous improvement in operational efficiency. It also supports expansion of the site's technical capabilities and business growth, and serves as a key communication link between the Inlife team and site management. The successful candidate will bring strong operational leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to employee development, scientific quality, and client satisfaction. Frontage Laboratories Inc. is a full-service CRO operating laboratories across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Its Chicago site supports general toxicology, developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART), juvenile, dermal, ocular, and carcinogenicity studies for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Biology, Toxicology, or a related scientific discipline.
15 or more years of experience in nonclinical toxicology or preclinical research.
At least 10 years of experience in a supervisory or management role overseeing inlife operations or related activities.
Demonstrated experience managing personnel, coordinating multiple studies, and optimizing operational resources.
Strong knowledge of GLP requirements, animal welfare regulations, and nonclinical toxicology study execution.
Experience with complex inlife procedures, including dosing, clinical observations, sample collection, and study termination activities.
Experience developing training programs, managing operational schedules, and implementing process improvements.
Proven ability to lead teams, resolve operational challenges, and work effectively across departments.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree is preferred.
Experience in a GLP-regulated CRO environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and supervision of the Inlife Operations team, including technicians, supervisors, managers, and other inlife personnel.
Ensure timely, high-quality execution of inlife activities across multiple concurrent nonclinical toxicology studies.
Develop and maintain macro- and micro-schedules covering study initiation, animal receipt and acclimation, dosing, clinical observations, procedures, sample collection, and study termination.
Coordinate inlife activity schedules with the rest of the study team and supporting staff.
Establish and maintain a comprehensive training program for inlife personnel.
Ensure team members are appropriately trained and qualified to perform assigned procedures and study activities.
Identify training gaps and develop plans to improve technical competency, operational flexibility, and cross-training.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and resource utilization.
Develop and implement standardized workflows, scheduling practices, and operational procedures.
Ensure inlife activities comply with approved study protocols, SOPs, GLP requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
Promote a strong quality culture and ensure timely documentation of study activities.