Associate Director, Inlife Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Director, Inlife Operations 
Location: Chicago, IL
Reports to: Vice President of Safety and Toxicology

Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an award winning, full-service, CRO/Contract Research Organization operating over 25 state-of-the-art laboratories across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Our core competencies include drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), safety and toxicology, bioanalytical services, chemistry and manufacturing controls for drug development, and core laboratory services for clinical trials.

Our Chicago site provides services for general toxicology, developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART), juvenile, dermal, ocular, and carcinogenicity studies in support of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products .

Position Summary:
Frontage Laboratories is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director of inlife operations. Person in this position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and development of the Inlife Operations team within a nonclinical toxicology Contract Research Organization (CRO). 

This leadership role will be responsible for macro- and micro-scheduling of study activities, optimizing resource utilization, developing and training the inlife team, and drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency. The role will also focus on expanding the site's technical capabilities, supporting business growth, and serving as a key communication link between the inlife team and site management.

The successful candidate will be a strong operational leader with excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated commitment to employee development, scientific quality, and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and supervision of the Inlife Operations team, including technicians, supervisors, managers, and other inlife personnel.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality execution of inlife activities across multiple concurrent non-clinical toxicology studies.
• Develop and maintain macro- and micro-schedules for inlife operations, including study initiation, animal receipt and acclimation, dosing, clinical observations, procedures, sample collection, and study termination activities.
• Coordinate scheduling of inlife activities with rest of the study team and supporting staff.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive training program for inlife personnel.
• Ensure that team members are appropriately trained and qualified to perform assigned procedures and study activities.
• Identify training gaps and develop plans to enhance technical competency, operational flexibility, and cross-training.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and resource utilization.
• Develop and implement standardized workflows, scheduling practices, and operational procedures.
• Ensure that all inlife activities are conducted in accordance with approved study protocols, SOPs, GLP requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Promote a strong quality culture and ensure timely documentation of study activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Biology, Toxicology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in nonclinical toxicology or preclinical research, preferably within a GLP-regulated CRO environment.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a supervisory or management role overseeing inlife operations or related activities.
• Demonstrated experience managing personnel, coordinating multiple studies, and optimizing operational resources.
• Strong knowledge of GLP requirements, animal welfare regulations, and nonclinical toxicology study execution.
• Experience with complex inlife procedures, including dosing, clinical observations, sample collection, and study termination activities.
• Experience developing training programs, managing operational schedules, and implementing process improvements.
• Proven ability to lead teams, resolve operational challenges, and work effectively across departments.

Salary: $90,000-$130,000, based on experience. 

Benefits:

• 401k Employer Match with immediate vesting
• Vision Insurance 
• Medical and Dental Insurance with multiple coverage options
• FSA (Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability 
• Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Holidays and PTO 

Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability .