HIWU Director of Laboratory Accreditation

Position Focus:      The HIWU Director of Laboratory Accreditation is a key contributor to the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), a division of Drug Free Sport International/International Doping Tests & Management (DFSI/IDTM). The mandate of HIWU is to improve the integrity and safety with Thoroughbred horseracing through the administration of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program.

The Director of Laboratory Accreditation, with input and feedback from HIWU’s leadership team, is responsible for establishing a uniform analytical program and harmonizing laboratory competencies that will support engagement, understanding and compliance among key industry stakeholders under the ADMC Program. This individual is accountable for creating and delivering the resources and programs that will ensure the effective implementation of a Code of Standards (Code) for Laboratory accreditation and associated strategies for assessing laboratory performance capabilities. The HIWU Director of Laboratory Accreditation will communicate with laboratory directors on all matters related to laboratory function, including but not limited to, analytical processes, and information management.  Contributions also include coordination with a team including HIWU staff, stakeholders, industry experts, and instructional designers and content creation professionals to create and deliver resources through innovative and effective delivery methods.

Summary of Qualifications:     To successfully perform this role, the individual must be a critical thinker, an effective communicator, organized and self-directed. The HIWU Director of Laboratory Accreditation must uphold the company core values and vision, demonstrate integrity to the highest degree, and have a high desire to serve the Thoroughbred horseracing industry, clients, contractors, and colleagues. Essential qualifications include:

• Minimum education level of a master’s degree in analytical chemistry or equivalent experience in a doping control laboratory, equine or other species.
• Proven experience with analytical chemistry laboratory accreditation processes, analytical documentation requirements, and use of a LIMs system (experience specific to equine analytical chemistry programs preferred).
• Dynamic, people-oriented and excels in relationship
• Proficiency in critical review of scientific manuscripts, publications, and research proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and public presentation skills.
• Highly credible, ethical, and persuasive interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
• Aptitude in resolving issues and conflicts.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20 percent.
• Pass a pre-employment screening including drug test, background check, confidentiality agreement, degree(s) verification, and professional reference checks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with HIWU operational teams and stakeholders to direct, develop, and implement the Laboratory Accreditation and External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) including but not limited to:
  • Develop, implement, and monitor single-blind and double-blind quality assurance programs and assessing laboratory performance.
  • Coordinate with provider of fortified samples to be distributed as single- or double-blind samples.
  • Perform quality control on Corrective Action Plans implemented by laboratories.
  • Interact with laboratory directors to promote uniformity in testing scope, methodology, and sensitivity.
  • Engage with domestic and international organizations (e.g., AORC, A2LA, IFHA, USADA, WADA) on emerging testing methods and their relevance to Thoroughbred horseracing in the United States.
  • Organize educational programs and workshops for laboratory directors to further the harmonization of analytical approaches.
  • Foster the professional development of analytical chemists in the field of equine testing.
  • Convene regularly scheduled meetings with Laboratory Directors to discuss analytical methodologies, research, intelligence, and other related matters.
• Ensure coordination and consistency of messaging on laboratory and testing-related matters with the HIWU Director of Communications and Outreach.
• Consistently evaluate the effectiveness and impact of HIWU’s Accreditation and EQAS programs.
• Maintain proficiency in regulation, policy, and protocol changes.
• Establish professional relationships with affiliated organizations to enhance HIWU laboratory standards.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies:

All external applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to Andrayana Estes, Director of Human Resources.  All requested materials must be submitted for consideration. This position is desired to be filled as soon as possible and application materials will be reviewed on an on-gong basis until filled.

Drug Free Sport, LLC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.