In preparation for the opening of our expanded facility in late 2008, CiToxLAB Canada has been actively recruiting and training in all departments since late 2007. We recognize that a facility expansion can only succeed if the required numbers of well-trained and properly qualified staff are available to staff it. It is with that in mind that recruiting started early, and with the plan to phase in the use of our new capacity over the course of the next 2 years. In this way CiToxLAB will always provide the highest quality of work by ensuring staff are available and trained well in advance of utilizing new space to its fullest.
Equally important to staff recruiting, is staff retention. CiToxLAB has recognized this by providing our staff with a work environment which encourages frequent and open communication between management and staff, opportunities for career development, continuing training, competitive compensation and benefits, as well as programs that recognize individual and group achievements. All of this has resulted in CiToxLAB being able to maintain a low staff turn-over which is the envy of our competitors.
Training
A dedicated team of trainers plans, manages and oversees the training of all staff Devoted training-colony rooms (one for each major species) for hands-on training Purpose-built lecture/training room for computer and theory training SOP-driven The training group provides: Orientation training Theory and hands-on training Computer-training (e.g. Provantis data capture) GLP training Refresher courses; including custom-developed videos for independent review Specialized procedures
Staff Additions in 2008
Study Directors & Study Management
Added Director of Toxicology with 20+ years experience Added 5 Study Directors, for a total of 15 Mean & Median of 12+ years industry experience Cumulative 220+ years of industry experience Including experts in inhalation, infusion, general toxicology, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicology, ADME, Safety Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, & pharmacology
Toxicology Technical Staff
Added 68 new animal-health technicians for total of 130 Substantial proportion bring experience from competing CROs Including technical experts in inhalation Qualifications as Animal Health Technologists from accredited colleges Expanded technical management with experienced supervisory staff
Pathology
Expanded necropsy and pathology to 28 staff Cross-training between necropsy and histology will permit operation of 6 full necropsy suites
Pharmacy
Expanded by 25%+ to 18 staff Several new staff with experience from contract labs and industry College qualifications in relevant field
Clinical Pathology
Expanded technologists pool to 10 (plus 10%) Added CRO-experienced staff
Immunology
Added 2 immunologists for a total of 12 staff Masters qualifications New hires bring pharma and CRO experience
Analytical & Bioanalytical
Analytical staff increased to 7 with cumulative experience of 48 years All staff bring CRO or related industry experience Head of Bioanalytical recruited – 13 years experience in CROs
Quality Assurance
6 experienced (cumulative 45 years) inspectors recruited, for a total of 14 staff All new staff bring prior CRO experience QA staff have a total of 139 years cumulative experience