Director / Sr. Director of Pathology

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 Pathology coordinates preclinical pathology research plans and analysis to support preclinical safety and efficacy studies, including those involving disease models and their characterization. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and refining pathology capabilities and services, with definition of the workflows, validation plans, and review and reporting procedures, formats and timelines.  Pathology platform supervision includes generating protocols, methodological descriptions, statements of work (SOWs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and workflows for consistent, accurate pathology analysis and reporting. 

The Director of Pathology works closely with management, senior scientists, pathologists, veterinarians, and the Histology Director to maintain and advance the facility veterinary program and health and welfare of the facility colony through oversight of diagnostic histopathology. 

The Director of Pathology conducts and supervises microscopic evaluation and interpretation of histology slides, derivative data formats, image analysis, clinical pathology, and other biomarkers and endpoints to generate reports for sponsors, collaborators, and internal model development initiatives, integrating clinical observations, and necropsy data.  Additional responsibilities include engaging with regulatory counterparts to apply best preclinical research and diagnostic practices and quality systems; advancing clinical and research programs through updating of practices and SOPs and reviewing and contributing to the design of study protocols, histopathology SOWs, and sampling and processing methods to ensure execution plans are aligned with research objectives.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Leadership: Lead the pathology function of the research platform by providing pathology expertise for conducted studies and supervising the pathology and image analysis teams. Lead pathology execution and reporting of histopathology SOWs with annual targets established with the CEO and CBO.
2. Statement of Work Development: Provide pathology expertise to development of the histopathology component of protocols and histopathology SOWs.  Contribute to and approve pathology SOW plans and amendments.
3. Data Management: Ensure pathology data acquisition, quality control, collation, and analysis are conducted in accordance with study protocols, SOWs, SOPs, and best practice. Supervise these activities within pathology and image analysis teams.
4. Documentation: Supervise documentation procedures for all SOWs to ensure data and events, including unanticipated finding or test system responses, and their peer review are accurately verified and documented within pathology and image analysis teams.
5. QC/QA: Apply processes to ensure study data (paper and electronic records) and study reports undergo appropriate quality control and Quality Assurance (QA) review, as appropriate, prior to reporting or external distribution. Contribute to SOP maintenance and preparation for compliance audits and respond to QA findings.  Supervise these activities within pathology and image analysis teams.
6. Study Reporting: Complete pathology final reports and oversee their generation by other pathologists and contributors.
7. Sponsor Communication: Provide pathology expertise in support of communications related to sponsor program support.
8. Third-Party Engagement: Engage subcontracted laboratories, vendors, and consultants in the evaluation and application of external or new research capabilities required to achieve and report study endpoints. Lead these activities within pathology and image analysis teams.
9. Business Development: Present company research capabilities and outcomes in client teleconferences and relevant scientific conferences (poster or oral data presentation is a criterion for conference attendance).  Lead and guide preparation of manuscript for publication and material to be presented at meetings and conferences by pathology and image analysis teams.
10. Capability Expansion: Lead implementation of improved pathology capabilities in consultation with the CEO and CBO and provide training/consultation where appropriate.

Essential Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Oversee other pathologists assigned to studies.

2. Supervise Image Analysis Scientists and image analysis services.

3. Provide team training on the integration of pathology into translational programs and interpretation.

Who are we looking for?

1. Education level/Certifications/Licensures

1. • Requires DVM.
   • Requires American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) board certification, or equivalent.

2. Experience

2. • Minimum 15 years preclinical pathology experience, including 10 years nonhuman primate experience.

3. Specific competencies

• Expertise in primate pathology and comparative anatomic pathology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and technical writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• 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 and electronic data capture and quality management systems.

4. Travel expectations

3. • 5-10% to attend conferences as a presenter and travel to company sites.

Unique Working Hours Considerations

Effectiveness and continuity of communication will require response to emails, texts, or calls outside regular work hours and/or on weekends under certain time sensitive or emergency situations. Professional development and/or client engagement may also require participation in onsite or offsite formal or informal meetings, planned in advance, outside normal work hours and/or on weekends when traveling.

Location

Remote, US

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.