Head of Scientific Services - Toxicology Lab

JOB DESCRIPTION:

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

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You will have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is

N/A

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Operations Quality

DIVISION:

TOX ARDx Toxicology

LOCATION:

United Kingdom > Abingdon : 21 Blacklands Way

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

Not specified

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Work in a clean room environment