Behind every successful clinical trial is a foundation of reliable laboratory data. Ensuring that testing is scientifically sound, operationally consistent, and globally standardized requires experienced laboratory leadership that understands both the science and the regulatory landscape. Since joining Medpace in 2019, John M. Robbins, PhD, BCLD(ABB), Director, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, has helped oversee the scientific aspects of general clinical laboratory testing across Medpace’s global laboratory network.
Drawing on a background spanning biochemistry, laboratory medicine, and regulatory science, Dr. Robbins works closely with Sponsors to ensure testing strategies are scientifically rigorous and aligned with study objectives.
Q&A with John M. Robbins, PhD, BCLD(ABB)
What attracted you to Medpace, and how has your role evolved?
I was attracted to the opportunity to develop clinical skill sets in laboratory medicine while remaining grounded in the laboratory science and techniques that formed the foundation of my academic career. The opportunity to work directly with world-renowned experts across multiple disciplines made the decision an easy one.
Since joining Medpace, I have become immersed in all aspects of clinical laboratory medicine as it relates to clinical trials. My early focus centered on hematology and coagulation assay validation in our Cincinnati laboratory. Since then, I have earned additional professional certifications, including becoming a board-certified High Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director under CLIA. Today, I oversee the scientific aspects of general clinical laboratory testing across Medpace’s global laboratory network.
How does your scientific background help support Sponsors’ clinical trials?
My background includes a PhD in biochemistry, postdoctoral research, and several years managing a core laboratory while developing novel enzyme systems for industrial applications. Because enzymes play a central role in much of today’s clinical laboratory testing, that experience is uniquely tailored to understanding the fundamentals of this kind of testing and the instrumentation involved. My previous experience also taught me how to develop new scientific approaches while maintaining rigorous validation standards. Those skills translate directly into clinical trials, where laboratory testing must balance scientific innovation with regulatory compliance and reproducible results.
What innovations are having the biggest impact on clinical laboratory testing?
Scientists are constantly evaluating new technologies, but every advancement must ultimately demonstrate reliability through validation. Some of the most impactful improvements have come from increased laboratory automation and enhanced capabilities for querying internal databases and performing sophisticated statistical analyses.
I’m also excited about the implementation of a new automated blood smear reader. While similar technologies have existed previously, this generation of analyzer is much better suited for the demands of a global central laboratory and will help further improve efficiency and standardization.
How does collaboration across Medpace benefit Sponsors?
Cross-functional collaboration allows for a productive exchange of ideas among some of the best professionals in the industry. Every department brings unique expertise and perspectives, whether in laboratory operations, project management, data management, logistics, or scientific leadership.
What sets Medpace apart from other CROs and laboratories?
What sets Medpace apart is our ability to build meaningful relationships with our Sponsors. I’m always happy to jump on a call to discuss a scientific or operational challenge and work together toward a solution. I’ve heard from many Sponsors that Medpace stands out because of our professionalism, scientific expertise, and willingness to collaborate. When you combine that personal approach with the depth of experience across our teams, Sponsors remember the difference.
Delivering Scientifically Rigorous Clinical Laboratory Solutions
Medpace’s central laboratories combine experienced scientific leadership with globally standardized operations to provide Sponsors with reliable, high-quality laboratory data throughout every phase of clinical development. Our multidisciplinary team of PhD scientists, board-certified laboratory directors, medical directors, and experienced laboratory professionals support comprehensive safety testing, specialty biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, histology, microbiology, and biorepository services.
Operating across wholly owned laboratories in the United States, Belgium, Singapore, and China, Medpace utilizes harmonized instrumentation, standardized operating procedures, and a global laboratory information system to ensure consistent testing and data quality worldwide. Integrated with Medpace’s full-service CRO model, our laboratory experts work collaboratively with clinical operations, project management, data management, imaging, and regulatory teams to provide Sponsors with a seamless, scientifically driven solution from study startup through final database lock.
