Lead Research Technician

Job Summary:

The Lead Research Technician serves as the day-to-day operational leader for laboratory technicians supporting preclinical research in Pharmacokinetics, Safety Pharmacology, and Toxicology. This position is responsible for coordinating daily laboratory workflow, organizing technical resources, supporting study execution, and serving as the primary technical liaison between Scientists, Study Directors, management, and laboratory staff.

The Lead Research Technician is a working leader who continues to perform laboratory procedures while providing day-to-day direction, technical guidance, and mentoring to Research Technicians. This position is responsible for ensuring laboratory operations are organized, studies remain on schedule, and technicians have the resources needed to successfully execute study activities.

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities and is not responsible for employee discipline, performance evaluations, hiring, compensation decisions, or approving time off.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Provides day-to-day operational direction and technical guidance to Research Technicians
• Does not directly supervise employees
• Does not conduct performance evaluations or administer corrective action

• Does not approve payroll, schedules, PTO, or employment decisions

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Coordinate daily workflow and technician assignments to support efficient study execution
• Monitor study schedules and adjust daily priorities based on changing operational needs
• Ensure study procedures are staffed appropriately and completed according to protocol timelines
• Serve as the primary point of contact for technicians regarding daily laboratory operations
• Communicate workflow concerns, staffing needs, and operational challenges to management
• Promote teamwork and collaboration across study teams

Study Coordination

• Coordinate preparation of study materials, procedure rooms, equipment, and supplies
• Collaborate with Scientists and Study Directors to ensure technical support is available throughout study execution
• Monitor study progress and assist with resolving workflow challenges
• Anticipate study needs and proactively coordinate laboratory resources
• Support multiple concurrent studies while maintaining quality and efficiency

Technical Leadership

• Continue performing laboratory procedures while serving as a technical resource for the laboratory
• Assist technicians with complex procedures and technical troubleshooting
• Promote consistency in laboratory techniques and study execution
• Reinforce adherence to study protocols, SOPs, GLP, and GDP requirements
• Assist with implementation of new procedures and laboratory technologies

Training and Mentorship

• Coordinate onboarding activities for newly hired Research Technicians
• Provide day-to-day coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance
• Assist management with competency assessments and technical training plans
• Reinforce laboratory best practices and regulatory compliance
• Encourage knowledge sharing and continuous learning among technicians

Regulatory Compliance

• Promote compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Documentation Practice (GDP), SOPs, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor laboratory documentation practices and reinforce documentation standards
• Identify potential compliance concerns and communicate them to study leadership
• Support Quality Assurance activities, internal audits, client visits, and regulatory inspections
• Assist with implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)

Laboratory Operations

• Coordinate laboratory readiness for scheduled studies
• Ensure equipment, supplies, and consumables are available and properly maintained
• Assist with inventory planning and forecasting laboratory needs
• Monitor laboratory organization and housekeeping standards
• Recommend operational improvements that increase efficiency and consistency

Safety

• Promote safe laboratory practices and regulatory compliance
• Reinforce proper PPE use and biosafety procedures
• Ensure humane handling practices are consistently followed
• Identify safety concerns and communicate corrective actions
• Foster a culture of safety and animal welfare

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflow and efficiency
• Recommend process improvements that enhance study quality and operational effectiveness
• Assist with implementation of new SOPs, equipment, and laboratory initiatives
• Support departmental goals related to quality, productivity, and continuous improvement

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in weekend, holiday, and after-hours study support on a rotational basis
• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned in support of research and laboratory operations

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced understanding of preclinical laboratory operations
• Excellent organizational and workflow coordination skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple studies and changing laboratory demands
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced understanding of GLP, GDP, SOPs, and regulatory requirements
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional activities while maintaining positive working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to influence others without direct authority
• Advanced interpersonal skill set
• Commitment to scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and continuous improvement

Education & Preferred Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Veterinary Technology, Life Sciences, or related scientific field preferred
• Five or more years of progressively responsible laboratory animal research or preclinical research experience
• Demonstrated success coordinating laboratory workflow and supporting multiple concurrent studies
• Previous experience mentoring or training laboratory staff
• Demonstrated leadership ability without formal supervisory authority preferred

Physical Demands:

• This position regularly requires the employee to communicate verbally, listen attentively, and perform computer-based tasks, including typing
• The role demands specific visual abilities, such as close-up vision and the capacity to adjust focus
• Extended periods of walking or standing may be necessary
• Frequent use of fine motor skills is required for handling small laboratory equipment and animals with both hands
• Employees working with animals must be capable of lifting, moving, and restraining up to 40 pounds, including both equipment and animals of various sizes
• The position involves frequent bending and stooping

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally wears protective clothing (googles, face shield, surgical mask, cap, gloves, scrubs, boots)
• Occasionally works with biohazards and sharps
• Occasionally works with live animals (small, medium and/or large) with risk of exposure to allergens
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, unpleasant odors, and wet, humid and/or extreme temperature conditions
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low and occasionally moderate