Laboratory Leader / Operation Manager (Analytical Testing - Startup Lab)

Laboratory Leader / Operation Manager (Analytical Testing – Startup Lab)

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Laboratory Leader / Operation Manager (Analytical Testing – Startup Lab)

Role Summary

• Lead and build a new analytical testing laboratory from the ground up.
• Serve as both a hands-on scientist and operational leader.
• Establish testing capabilities, systems, and culture for a fast-growing contract (3rd-party) lab serving dietary supplements, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
• This is a high impact, dynamic startup role where you are building the systems and foundation—no two days are the same.
• We are looking for a leader who wants to grow with the company.

Scientific & Technical Leadership

• Select, install, qualify, and maintainanalytical instruments.
• Develop, validate, and optimizeanalytical test methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, Wet chemistry including titrations, etc.).
• Perform and oversee routine and non-routine analyses.
• Review, interpret, and approve analytical data and reports.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical and instrumentation issues.
• Adapt methods for diverse and non-standard sample matrices.

Laboratory Operations & Setup

• Design laboratory workflows, layout, and sample handling processes.
• Establish SOPs, test methods, and laboratory guidelines from scratch.
• Implement systems for sample intake, tracking, testing, and reporting.
• Manage laboratory supplies, reagents, standards, and vendors.
• Identifyservice providers and technical support for equipment repair and calibration.
• Control costs while maintainingscientific integrity and compliance.

Quality & Compliance

• Build and maintainsystems compliant with:
• ISO/IEC 17025
• GMP + GLP
• Prepare the lab for audits, inspections, and certifications.
• Ensure data integrity, documentation accuracy, and traceability.
• Create corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes.
• Hire, train, and mentor new laboratory staff as the lab grows.
• Set expectations for scientific rigor, accountability, and teamwork.
• Lead by example—hands-on, problem-solving, and adaptable.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Business & Strategic Contribution

• Understand the needs of a contract testing environment with varied clients and sample types.
• Balance speed, quality, and cost-efficiency.
• Help lay the operational and scientific foundation for long-term growth.
• Collaborate with leadership on lab expansion, new capabilities, and service offerings.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific field (advanced degree preferred).
• Strong hands-on experience in analytical laboratory testing.
• Proven experience with method development and validation.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025, GMP, and GLP environments.
• Experience setting up or significantly improving lab systems is a strong plus.
• Critical thinker who understands science deeply and practically.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Resourceful—knows how to fix problems, find solutions, and “make things work.”
• Entrepreneurial mindset; not comfortable doing the same thing every day.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Motivated to grow with the company and help build something from the ground up.

Compensation is competitive - Salary range: $65,000 + per year, depending on experience.