Supervisor of Medical Device Product Testing Laboratory

Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in the transportation, life sciences, packaging, materials, components, consumer, and energy industries. Smithers delivers accurate data, on time, with high touch by integrating science, technology, and business expertise, so customers can innovate with confidence.

The Medical Device Testing (MDT) division was established to offer focused support to the needs of the innovative and thriving medical device and combination drug product industries. Over the past two years, both the UK and US analytical chemistry teams have invested heavily in additional chemists and new instrumentation to increase capacity and broaden the expertise for client support with world-class capabilities.

Due to this increased investment and continued success, the Medical Device Testing division is looking to recruit an experienced scientist for the position of Supervisor of Medical Device Physical Testing Laboratory.

Job Purpose/Objectives

The purpose of this role is to lead the management of day-to-day operations of testing workflow in the Physical Testing Laboratory; to manage and prioritise resources against client and management requirements in order to deliver workflow and revenue against plan; to lead continuous improvement activities relating to laboratory environment and testing processes.

• Provide an effective testing service to external and internal customers by the application of expertise and problem-solving skills.
• Be instrumental in laboratory project/task planning and implementation.
• Provide efficient organisation of equipment resources.
• Ensure maintenance and calibration of specified laboratory equipment.
• Provide training and development for colleagues such as Senior Scientists, Scientists, and Technicians.
• Direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Maintain appropriate and effective Health and Safety systems.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with Project Managers and Laboratory Managers to develop overall testing schedule in order to meet client expectations and internal targets (utilisation, revenue recognition).
• Responsible for in-laboratory workflow scheduling in order to maximise efficient and effective use for Analysts and equipment.
• Provide leadership in the efficient management of resources and adapt to changing priorities and resourcing issues to deliver against KPIs and management requirements.
• Support development of continuously improving lab workflow management systems including samples tracking, equipment utilisation tracking, scheduling, and other workflow tools/technologies.
• Understand and determine customer requirements (both internally and externally) and assist in the preparation of work proposals, study plans, etc.
• Co-ordinate appropriate communication and project updates to project managers, as required.
• Produce high quality data and reports for customers (both internal and external) in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provide effective communication and disseminate key information to build and maintain customer/supplier relationships.
• Keep abreast of current scientific advancements relevant to the business and expand knowledge base of analytical chemistry. Disseminate this knowledge as required.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Science or Engineering. Equivalent experience within a relevant industry will also be welcome to apply.

This is an exciting time to join the Medical Device Testing department which has seen year-on-year growth allowing for greater opportunities to develop your experience and career progression.

As a global employer, we offer a generous benefits package to all our employees incorporating private healthcare, pension, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays per annum as well as flexible working hours which include an early finish on Fridays.