Associate Director - Mass Spec Production

KCAS Bio
Kansas City, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Candidates with a background in bioanalytical science and leadership experience will find this operational leadership role in a regulated laboratory environment

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 7+ years in bioanalytical labs and a track record of process optimization
    — “at least 7 years of experience in a bioanalytical laboratory environment”
  • Individuals who have led scientific teams and driven sustainable improvements in lab workflows
    — “Demonstrated leadership experience within a scientific or laboratory organization”
  • Professionals with deep expertise in quantitative LC-MS/MS and GLP compliance
    — “Strong knowledge of quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, including bioanalytical sample preparation, instrumentation, data workflows”

Things to consider

  • This role demands a balance between scientific rigor and operational efficiency in a regulated setting
    — “Ability to lead changes, influence others, and balance operational efficiency with scientific quality and regulatory compliance”
  • Candidates must be prepared to manage cross-functional teams and client-facing responsibilities
    — “Collaborate across scientific, Quality Assurance, Program Management, and other teams to support study execution”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in implementing automation and improving lab productivity
    — “Identify and implement opportunities to improve laboratory operations through automation”
  • Emphasize your ability to lead and coach teams while maintaining compliance and quality
    — “Lead, develop, and coach scientific staff while establishing clear expectations, strengthening team capabilities”
  • Showcase your background in regulated bioanalytical studies and audit readiness
    — “Experience working with Quality Assurance and supporting client and/or regulatory audits and inspections”
  • Demonstrate your ability to analyze metrics and drive data-informed decisions
    — “Monitor operational performance and use metrics, trends, and root-cause analysis”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Leadership in scientific and operational teams
  • Process improvements in laboratory operations
  • Capacity planning and resource utilization
Typical background
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field7+ years of experience in bioanalytical laboratory environment

Skills & requirements

Required

Operational LeadershipScientific LeadershipTeam DevelopmentProcess ImprovementWorkflow ManagementRegulatory ComplianceData IntegrityQuality SystemsCross-functional Collaboration

Preferred

AutomationTechnology Implementation

Stack & domain

Quantitative Lc-ms/ms BioanalysisBioanalytical Sample PreparationInstrumentationData WorkflowsRegulated Study ExecutionGlp/gxp-regulated Laboratory EnvironmentCapacity PlanningResource UtilizationWorkflow ManagementPrioritizationAutomationTechnologyStandardized ToolsTrainingContinuous Improvement InitiativesLeadershipProblem-solvingDecision-makingCommunicationCross-functional CollaborationHealthcareBiotechnology

About the role

Original posting from KCAS Bio via Lever

Performing critical work that impacts our industry and our world’s health while problem solving and innovating in the field – that is what an Associate Director at KCAS Bio get to do every day. If that gets you excited too, then maybe working as an Associate Director at KCAS Bio is the role for you.

In this role, we will rely on you to::

  • Provide operational and scientific leadership across MSB Production, ensuring teams consistently deliver high-quality work on time and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements
  • Lead, develop, and coach scientific staff while establishing clear expectations, strengthening team capabilities, and building accountability for performance, quality, and delivery
  • Evaluate and improve production workflows by identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and process variation and implementing sustainable improvements that increase throughput, consistency, and capacity
  • Drive process harmonization and standardization across teams, studies, and workflows while maintaining scientific quality, data integrity, and GLP compliance
  • Partner with MSB leadership to manage capacity, resource utilization, staffing, instrumentation, and workflow priorities based on current and anticipated business needs
  • Monitor operational performance and use metrics, trends, and root-cause analysis to identify risks, improve productivity, and support informed decision-making
  • Provide leadership and escalation support for complex scientific, operational, quality, client, and study-related issues, partnering with Quality Assurance and other functions as appropriate
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve laboratory operations through automation, technology, standardized tools, training, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Collaborate across scientific, Quality Assurance, Program Management, and other teams to support study execution, client commitments, organizational priorities, and continued growth
  • Perform all aspects of the job in a way that supports company brand and supports company mission, vision, and values

To qualify specifically for this role, you will have::

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related scientific field with at least 7 years of experience in a bioanalytical laboratory environment; advanced degree preferred
  • Strong knowledge of quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, including bioanalytical sample preparation, instrumentation, data workflows, and regulated study execution
  • Extensive experience working in a GLP/GxP-regulated laboratory environment
  • Demonstrated leadership experience within a scientific or laboratory organization, including developing teams, managing performance, and establishing accountability
  • Demonstrated experience improving laboratory operations, workflows, processes, or productivity within a scientific environment
  • Experience identifying operational bottlenecks, conducting root-cause analysis, and implementing sustainable process improvements
  • Experience with capacity planning, resource utilization, workflow management, and prioritization within a laboratory environment
  • Strong understanding of data integrity, quality systems, SOPs, audit readiness, and regulatory requirements associated with regulated bioanalytical studies
  • Experience working with Quality Assurance and supporting client and/or regulatory audits and inspections
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to lead changes, influence others, and balance operational efficiency with scientific quality and regulatory compliance

(Please note this is a representative summary of responsibilities, not a comprehensive or exclusive list of the duties to be performed in any position. Employees must follow instructions and perform additional duties as requested.)

WHO YOU ARE

You will thrive at KCAS Bio if you enjoy a relational environment, are purpose- and values-driven, embrace constant development and supportive leadership, and enjoy being part of innovative work.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

Our benefits include, and extend beyond, the traditional package. At KCAS Bio, you will enjoy company sponsored events like food trucks, family days and spirit days. You will grow in your career with KCAS University. You will be able to connect with like-minded employees to further KCAS Bio's approach to key areas such as wellness, inclusion, and community outreach. You will engage as an owner in our stock ownership program. You will have access to the latest technology. And you will be able to invest in the community with paid time off to volunteer.

Learn more about the Benefits at KCAS Bio 

WHO WE ARE

We are a fast-growing contract research organization (CRO) headquartered in Kansas City, pioneering the latest drug development in both human and animal health fields. Demand for our expertise is growing and so is our need for great people to work in nimble, empowered teams committed to one another’s growth. At KCAS Bio, we advance both great science AND great people.

Learn more about what it is like to work at KCAS Bio

KCAS Bio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Among other things, we provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected category; we recruit qualified candidates without regard to citizenship status based on internal processes that enable us to hire the right candidates consistent with the appropriate U.S. Immigration framework; and (3) we work with and provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Anyone who needs reasonable accommodation may send an email to kcasrecruiting@kcasbio.com or call 913-248-3000 (for TTY assistance call 711) and ask for Human Resources.

IND123

Source: KCAS Bio careers (Lever)

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