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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific services in a dynamic toxicology lab, driving innovation and method development.
- Company: Join Abbott, a global healthcare leader focused on breakthrough science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of toxicology and enhance public health through innovative testing.
- Qualifications: BSc in Science, significant industry experience, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.
The Opportunity
Abbott Toxicology is part of Abbott’s Rapid Diagnostics family of businesses, bringing together exceptional teams of experts and industry leading technologies to support diagnostic testing. This role offers an opportunity to work for the UK’s leading drug and alcohol testing provider. Our Toxicology Business is currently recruiting for a Head of Scientific Services in a busy and adaptable UK Laboratory Operations Department to provide analytical toxicology services to numerous sectors, including law enforcement, maritime, drug treatment, and workplace drug testing. The role is based in Abbott Toxicology Lab in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
As the principle scientific lead for Laboratory Operations, you will be responsible for the scientific and technical leadership of the analytical laboratory teams within the UK. The role will drive the scientific vision of the department, identifying and developing new and improved assays, leveraging technological advancement to meet customer needs and generate competitive advantage.
What You’ll Do
- Provide scientific leadership and innovation, working with Commercial teams to shape the future scientific direction of Laboratory Operations in line with Abbott Toxicology International Services business strategy.
- Identify and leverage scientific and technological advancements to expand technical capabilities and maintain competitive advantage.
- Lead the method development strategy, develop new assays and methods to implement into laboratory operations.
- Drive continuous improvement of current analytical methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and performance.
- Stay current with relevant scientific, regulatory, and legal developments.
- Lead site laboratory projects and support group‑wide initiatives and programmes.
- Manage and develop laboratory analytical teams to deliver high‑quality services, meet KPIs, and optimise resources.
- Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, and accreditation requirements, including ISO 9001 and ISO 17025.
- Partner with Quality teams to manage non‑conformities, CAPAs, and audits, ensuring timely closure of actions.
- Promote a strong quality culture aligned to Behind Every Test is a Life.
- Resolve technical and performance issues impacting laboratory operations, minimising customer impact.
- Provide expert scientific guidance internally and to customers in support of commercial objectives.
- Coach and develop managers and teams to build scientific capability and leadership strength.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimisation initiatives.
Required qualifications/Profile
- A BSc Science degree in Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry or related discipline or equivalent experience.
- Significant proven industry experience in the analysis of analytes (preferably drugs and their metabolites) in biological material using immunoassays and LCMS/MS, and interpretation of the associated data.
- Strong analytical knowledge demonstrating in depth experience of analytical techniques, trouble shooting and method development.
- Experience of developing and delivering services within a regulated environment, preferably ISO17025.
- An experienced leader who has successfully motivated, developed and mentored scientists and managers with a range of experience.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage with non-scientists, and across different areas of the business.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts both in written and oral form.
- Adaptable and able to flex leadership style to adapt to changing business priorities.
- Able to effectively multi-task, prioritise and execute tasks in a high‑pressure environment.
- Highly organised and adaptable with experience of planning and successfully delivering laboratory projects.
- Commercially aware with a high level of business acumen.
- Experience of managing a budget is highly desirable.
Head of Scientific Services - Toxicology Lab employer: Abbott Laboratories
Contact Detail:
Abbott Laboratories Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Scientific Services - Toxicology Lab
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the toxicology field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a short presentation or a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements in analytical toxicology. This can really impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out directly to Abbott or similar companies. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their scientific vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated! Keep an eye on the latest trends and advancements in toxicology. Being knowledgeable about current developments will help you stand out in interviews and discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Scientific Services - Toxicology Lab
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Scientific Services role. Highlight your leadership in analytical toxicology and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about toxicology and how your background aligns with Abbott's mission. Be sure to mention any innovative methods or technologies you've worked with that could benefit our lab.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader in our lab, we want to see examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Share specific instances where you've driven scientific innovation or improved processes, as this will resonate with our focus on continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbott Laboratories
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of toxicology and analytical chemistry. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques like immunoassays and LCMS/MS, as well as any recent advancements in the field. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also engaged with current trends.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Scientific Services, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while maintaining team morale and performance.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards, as well as any relevant regulations in the toxicology field. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach maintaining quality standards at Abbott.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific situations, such as resolving technical issues or managing non-conformities. Think through potential scenarios and how you would apply your scientific expertise and leadership skills to address them effectively.