Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 ISO 17025.
- 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
Contact Detail:
Abbott 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 your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Abbott and its Toxicology Lab. Understand their values, recent projects, and how they align with your skills. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We appreciate candidates who take the time to express their gratitude and reaffirm their interest in joining our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about wanting to be part of the Abbott family. Let’s make it happen!
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 is tailored to the Head of Scientific Services role. Highlight your experience in toxicology and analytical chemistry, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Abbott Toxicology. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your scientific leadership and innovation. Whether it's developing new assays or improving lab efficiency, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbott
✨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 adapted your leadership style to meet those challenges.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards, as compliance is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous positions and how you would approach maintaining these standards in the Abbott Toxicology Lab.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Think of examples where you've resolved technical issues or improved laboratory processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.