Associate Director of Toxicology
Warrington, United Kingdom
Permanent role
Competitive Salary
We are currently seeking an Associate Director of Toxicology to join our client's site leadership team. This is a senior, diverse, and challenging role focused on leading and developing the site’s forensic toxicology services.
You will be responsible for driving high-quality, timely operations, research, and development teams, helping ensure the site delivers exceptional forensic services in support of the UK Criminal Justice System.
What you’ll do:
As an Associate Director of Toxicology, you will be a key strategic and technical contributor, supporting Directors in developing and delivering the long-term strategic plan and quality improvement roadmap.
Strategic Leadership: Providing exemplary local leadership and direction to the toxicology team and the wider site, delivering corporate objectives in line with business strategy.
Innovation & Technology: Horizon scanning and harnessing new technologies—including automation and AI capabilities—to drive scientific endeavour, business efficiency, and profitability.
Quality & Compliance: Partnering closely with the Quality and Compliance Team to ensure all processes, QC, and QA systems are fully documented and comply with international quality standards and the Forensic Science Regulator Code.
Commercial & Financial Management: Developing and implementing the annual toxicology budget, while presenting detailed, robust business cases to facilitate access to capital expenditure for key projects.
Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement: Leading engagements with key external stakeholders and managing key sub-contractors to maintain premium service provision.
Your background:
We are looking for a practical, rigorous, and engaging leader used to managing risk and operations within a highly regulated, technical environment. This role is ideal for an experienced scientific leader looking to make a significant impact on operational excellence and national justice support.
Education:
A degree or vocational qualification in toxicology or a closely related scientific discipline.
Technical Experience: Experience and a strong track record working within Toxicology ideally forensic science, although healthcare, clinical trials, or pharmaceuticals will be considered. An in depth knowledge of trace chemical analysis is required.
Leadership Track Record: Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role is highly desirable, with demonstrated experience managing technical projects, timelines, and budgets.
Skills: Outstanding communication and "on-the-floor" engagement skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional support (ICT, HR), oversee robust training/CPD programs, and present performance updates against quality KPIs at corporate meetings.
Attributes: Strategic and logical thinking focused on providing agile business solutions. High professional integrity, excellent commercial acumen, and a customer-focused, proactive approach to operational performance.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to build a career with a leading provider, offering exposure to cutting-edge technologies, major stakeholder management, and professional development.
While we aim to reply to all applicants, the volume of CVs we receive means this isn't always possible. If you do not hear back from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful for this specific role.
Thank you for your interest and your time.
Strict Vetting Requirement: To pass the client's stringent security vetting process, you must have continuously resided in the UK for the previous 5 years from the date of your application. Applicants who do not meet this 5-year residency criteria will be automatically rejected.
You must also have existing permanent right to work in the UK, as the client is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
On this occasion, LiCa Scientific is acting as an employment agency.