Specialty Material Testing Lab Owner

Overview

Responsibilities

• Secure and maintain international laboratory accreditations such as ISO/IEC 17025.
• Direct the procurement and maintenance of advanced analytical instrumentation like mass spectrometers or electron microscopes.
• Oversee the development and validation of proprietary testing methodologies for niche materials.
• Manage business development efforts to acquire long-term service contracts with industrial manufacturers or regulatory bodies.
• Implement comprehensive Laboratory Information Management Systems to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Recruit and lead a team of specialized scientists, technicians, and quality assurance officers.

Qualifications

• A graduate degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related engineering field.
• Significant experience working within an accredited commercial laboratory environment.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and regional safety, environmental, and material regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management and technical resource allocation.
• Proficiency in technical writing for the production of validation reports and standard operating procedures.

Nice to have

• A PhD in a specialized scientific discipline related to the lab's core focus.
• Prior experience in a senior management or executive role within the testing, inspection, and certification industry.
• A robust network of contacts within target industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, or agriculture.
• Expertise in Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies.

Work environment

• The role is primarily based in a controlled laboratory and office setting.
• Operations often run on a 24-hour cycle to accommodate high-volume testing requirements.
• Frequent interaction with regulatory auditors and technical assessors is standard.
• Work involves exposure to specialized chemical, biological, or physical testing environments.
• The culture is characterized by a strict adherence to safety protocols and technical accuracy.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation is primarily derived from business ownership and net profit margins.
• Growth involves expanding the laboratory's scope of accreditation to serve new market segments.
• Opportunities exist for geographical expansion through the establishment of satellite testing facilities.
• Strategic exit opportunities include acquisition by larger multinational testing and inspection conglomerates.