We are seeking a hands-on Study Director with strong surgical experience in large animal models to lead and execute in vivo preclinical studies from initiation through final reporting.
This role is ideal for a Study Director who is not only experienced in study management, but also actively involved in surgical procedures and technical execution. The successful candidate will serve as the single point of responsibility for study conduct while contributing directly to large animal surgical models, intraoperative procedures, and post-operative assessments.
This is not a purely administrative role—this position requires regular hands-on participation in surgical studies and close collaboration with veterinary and technical teams.
Serve as the Study Director with full responsibility for study design, execution, and reporting
Take ownership of studies upon contract award and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery
Develop and refine protocols involving surgical models and large animal procedures
Ensure technical conduct of studies aligns with protocols, including surgical and perioperative components
Surgical & Technical Responsibilities (Core Focus)
Perform and/or oversee surgical procedures in large animal models (e.g., swine, canine, ovine)
Participate directly in pre-operative preparation, anesthesia coordination, intraoperative support, and post-operative care
Provide technical guidance on model development, surgical techniques, and procedural optimization
Ensure proper documentation of surgical procedures and outcomes
Troubleshoot intraoperative or model-related challenges
Lead study kick-off meetings and align surgical and in vivo teams
Coordinate with veterinarians, technicians, and research staff
Delegate responsibilities while maintaining oversight of surgical and study execution
Mentor staff on surgical techniques and best practices (as applicable)
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients
Communicate study progress, surgical outcomes, and key milestones
Provide technical insight on surgical models and study design
Escalate risks or critical issues to leadership
Review surgical and study data for accuracy and completeness
Support data analysis and interpretation
Prepare and finalize comprehensive GLP study reports
Ensure compliance with GLP (21 CFR Part 58), IACUC, and internal SOPs
Document deviations, surgical complications, and corrective actions
Support QA audits and regulatory inspections
Coordinate internal teams, veterinary staff, and external partners
Oversee vendors or specialized surgical support as needed
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Veterinary Science, or related field (DVM or PhD is a plus)
6–9 years of in vivo research experience, including:
Significant hands-on experience with large animal models
Direct involvement in surgical procedures
1–3 years in a Study Director or study lead role
Strong understanding of GLP regulations (21 CFR Part 58)
Proven ability to manage studies while contributing technically
Experience with anesthesia coordination, surgical workflows, or perioperative care
Strong organizational and communication skills
Experience with swine, canine, or ovine surgical models
Background in device, cardiovascular, orthopedic, or translational surgical studies
DVM or surgical training highly desirable
CRO experience with client-facing responsibilities
Experience mentoring or training technical staff
Hands-on Study Director who is comfortable in the surgical suite—not just managing from the office
Strong technical expertise in large animal surgery and model execution
Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, compliance, and reproducibility
Ability to balance study leadership with active technical contribution
Strong judgment in dynamic, procedure-driven environments
Opportunity to work on complex, surgery-driven preclinical models
Collaborative, technically strong team environment
Direct impact on translational and device-focused research
BioLegacy Research (formerly BTS Research) is a contract research laboratory that delivers cGMP/GLP biological services to clients in the pharm/biopharma, biotech, academic research, medical devices and related industries. Our Vision: We strive to be the leading choice for all of your bioscience research and custom product(s) needs. Our Mission: Is to be the most customer focused, cost efficient, scientific resource CRO company in every market we serve. We will continue to strengthen our position in the market through employee culture, based on integrity and quality, and by strategically collaborating and partnering with industry leaders. Our Values: Family core values transmitted through: Teamwork, Integrity, Passion, Continuous Improvement, Transparency, Diversity, Commitment, Trust Worthiness and Accountability.
