Scientific Leader, Lab Operations

Eurofins Scientific is a network of independent companies providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate.Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.With over 50 laboratories and more than 40 service centers nationwide, Eurofins Environment Testing provides full-service environmental analysis across all 50 states. Our network supports public and private clients—including DoD, DOE, and municipalities—through robust logistics and continuous investment in people, technology, and infrastructure.We offer comprehensive testing for air, water, soil, sediment, tissue, and waste, covering a wide range of analytes including PFAS, metals, VOCs/SVOCs, dioxins/furans, radiochemicals, and more.Position SummaryThe Scientific Leader, Lab Operations is a senior-level hybrid scientist-operator responsible for the end-to-end performance of laboratory testing operations across multiple sites. This leader owns full P&L accountability for their portfolio, drives operational excellence, ensures scientific integrity and regulatory compliance, and develops high-performing teams. This role is ideal for a credentialed scientific professional who has built commercial acumen alongside deep technical expertise and has a track record of scaling complex, multi-site testing environments.Key ResponsibilitiesP&L & Financial OwnershipOwn revenue, margin, and cost targets across a defined portfolio of laboratory testing sitesDevelop and manage annual operating budgets; provide monthly financial reporting to executive leadershipIdentify and execute cost-reduction and revenue-expansion initiatives without compromising quality or throughputPartner with commercial/business development teams to support pricing strategy, client retention, and new business proposalsLead capital expenditure planning, including equipment investment justification and ROI analysisMulti-Site Lab OperationsOversee daily operations across multiple laboratory sites, ensuring consistency in workflows, turnaround times, and quality standardsEstablish and enforce standardized operating procedures (SOPs), capacity planning models, and resource allocation frameworks across sitesDrive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent) to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and improve TATMonitor and act on KPIs including sample volume, capacity utilization, instrument uptime, and client satisfaction metricsLead cross-site coordination for surge capacity, disaster recovery protocols, and operational contingency planningScientific & Technical LeadershipServe as the scientific authority for testing methodologies, instrumentation, and data integrity across all reporting sitesEnsure laboratories maintain and continuously improve accreditation standing (ISO 17025, CAP, CLIA, A2LA, or equivalent as applicable)Drive validation, verification, and implementation of new testing platforms and emerging analytical technologiesStay current on regulatory landscape changes; proactively update practices to maintain compliance with EPA, FDA, DOT, or relevant governing bodiesServe as a technical escalation point for complex client issues, out-of-specification results, and method failure investigationsPersonnel Management & Organizational DevelopmentLead, develop, and retain a multi-site team spanning lab managers, supervisors, scientists, and analysts Build a performance culture through regular 1:1s, transparent goal-setting, and structured development plansIdentify and grow internal talent; champion succession planning and high-potential development programsPartner with HR on workforce planning, compensation banding, and talent acquisition for technical rolesFoster a culture of psychological safety, accountability, and scientific rigorClient & Stakeholder EngagementServe as the operational point of escalation for key accounts; participate in QBRs, client audits, and capability presentationsCollaborate with sales and client services to ensure SLA adherence and proactive communication around capacity or TAT issuesSupport business development efforts including site tours, proposal input, and technical presentationsQualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in a scientific discipline (Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, or related field); advanced degree strongly preferred7+ years of progressive laboratory operations experience, with at least 3 years in a multi-site leadership roleDemonstrated P&L ownership with full budget accountability in a laboratory or technical services environmentProven track record leading teams across geographically dispersed locationsExperience in any testing environment: environmental, food, pharmaceutical/bioanalytical, clinical, materials, genomics, or equivalent regulated laboratory sectorStrong working knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards and applicable regulatory frameworksDemonstrated ability to implement operational improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent) a plus Additional InformationAs a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits, including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, paid time off, and dental and vision options.*The benefits package offered will vary based on the employee's full-time or part-time regular status.We support your development! Do you feel you don't match 100% of the requirements? Don't hesitate to apply anyway! Eurofins companies are committed to supporting your career development.We embrace diversity! Eurofins network of companies believe in strength and innovation through diversity, being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against employees or applications based on gender identity and/or expression, race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and everything else that makes employees of Eurofins companies unique.Sustainability matters to us! At Eurofins, we believe sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our vision to be the Global Leader in “Testing for Life,” our mission to contribute to a healthier and safer world, and our core values, we are building a strong foundation for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Eurofins’ commitment to sustainability begins within our own companies through a shared responsibility to people and the planet. With climate change posing an imminent threat, Eurofins and its many companies recognize their duty to proactively reduce or offset the environmental impact of essential operations while also helping our clients do the same—serving as a true ESG Enabler.