Associate Director, Proteomics

The Role: Scientific vision and strategy — Working with the Senior Director of Biochemical Pharmacology & Proteomics, you'll aid in defining and driving the direction of Inotiv's proteomics program, integrating global and targeted proteomics, translational pharmacology, and molecular pathology into one coherent scientific approach. Program impact — You'll partner with sponsors and internal teams to embed proteomic insight directly into biomarker discovery and translational decision-making process(s) across active drug development programs. Technical leadership — Serve as a subject matter expert for internal and external workflows on proteomic assay design and development, guiding both the scientific rigor of the work and developing the team members executing it. Cross-functional influence — Act as a trusted scientific voice in high-level conversations with sponsors, translating complex proteomic data into actionable concepts that drive client discoveries.

Scientific Responsibilities: Serves as an interdisciplinary scientific lead for proteomics within DTS, building an integrated drug discovery partnership across In Vivo Pharmacology, Molecular/Cellular Pharmacology, and Investigative & Molecular Pathology to advance biomarker discovery, target validation, and translational research programs. Drives proteomics platform strategy to strengthen market position, including technology selection, contemporizing of mass spectrometry-based analysis platforms, and biomarker-based expression profiling in partnership with Molecular Pathology. Serves as Inotiv's primary scientific point of contact for Study Directors and Sponsors on targeted and global proteomics bioanalytical projects, from discovery through clinical development, and represents Inotiv's proteomics capabilities through commercial strategy support, scientific posters, publications, and presentations. Leads experimental design and conduct of targeted and global/discovery proteomics studies, ensuring compliance with established best practices and SOPs. Leads proteomics platform development and optimization: method development and validation (GxP and non-GxP), sample-preparation workflows (protein digestion, immunoaffinity enrichment, high-abundance protein depletion, phospho-proteomics), instrumentation, chromatography, and automation. Directs bioinformatic and statistical analysis of proteomic datasets (e.g., Skyline, FragPipe, Proteome Discoverer) to identify, quantify, and interpret protein and peptide biomarkers, and identifies opportunities to apply MS proteomics platforms to critical client and company needs as a recognized thought leader. Develops and maintains SOPs for proteomic sample preparation, LC-MS/MS method development, and data analysis; reviews literature and emerging technologies to guide platform decisions. Maintains broad familiarity with Inotiv's capabilities, with particular expertise in Nashville, to provide timely scientific answers to prospective clients; performs quality control review of data and reports; troubleshoots and resolves method and assay challenges. Trains and mentors colleagues to build proteomics, mass spectrometry, and analytical expertise. Ensures GLP/SOP compliance as a GLP Principal Investigator, including timely reporting of deviations, proper documentation, and archival of study data and samples. Coordinates with study management and operations teams to maintain project visibility and support customer satisfaction from initiation through completion. Upholds Inotiv Core Values, safety regulations, and confidentiality standards, and interacts professionally with clients, colleagues, and the community.

People Management: Demonstrates ability to manage scientific, operational, and administrative aspects of the proteomics team. Responsible for the development and training of employees to meet current and future business needs. Provides regular coaching and feedback to team members. Conducts interviews and initiates hiring requests for team when needed. Provides an environment which encourages the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities and the value of a diverse workforce.

Minimum Requirements: PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, with postdoctoral training and 5-7+ years of qualified experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Prior management experience required. Hands-on expertise with targeted and global/discovery proteomic workflows, including operation and maintenance of current MS instrumentation, especially high-resolution LC-MS/MS, for peptide and protein analysis. Knowledge of protein/peptide separation, digestion, and enrichment techniques (e.g., immunoaffinity capture, fractionation, high-abundance protein depletion) and chromatographic systems used for proteomic analysis. Proficiency with proteomic data analysis and bioinformatics software (e.g., Skyline, FragPipe, Proteome Discoverer, DIA-NN) for protein and peptide identification, quantitation, and biomarker analysis of proteomic data. Detailed understanding of bioanalytical processes, including sample preparation, calibration, quality control, instrument operation/troubleshooting, method development, data processing, and reporting. In-depth knowledge of analytical testing needed in drug discovery, biomarker verification, and/or clinical or translational proteomics. Demonstrated ability to develop creative, cross-functional approaches to apply proteomics techniques to client and program needs. Understanding of GMP/GLP/GCP regulations with the ability to apply these practices daily, including the responsibilities of a GLP Principal Investigator. Scientific writing experience for reports and manuscripts; peer-reviewed publications, posters, or presentations in proteomics/MS preferred.

Critical Success Factors: Results Driven. Drives efficiently and accurately toward results, setting high but achievable standards and continually seeking process improvements. Efficient. Takes ownership of time and effectiveness, acting proactively and working through challenges with minimal direction. Communication. Communicates complex information clearly and articulately, in oral and written form, tailored to audience and purpose. Collaboration. Actively supports team success, shares information, and gets things done with and through others. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Identifies key components of problems, interprets information from varied sources, and generates and evaluates creative solutions. Organization and Time Management. Plans and prioritizes work, manages time to meet deadlines, and follows through on commitments.