Founding Lab Director (Co-Founder Track)

The OpportunityWe are seeking a Senior Scientist or Laboratory Director with deep expertise in regulated environments (GMP, GLP, ISO 17025) to lead the scientific foundation of a high-growth analytical laboratory focusing on GLP-1 agonists and novel peptides.Since launching in 2023 as a partnership with TrustPointe Analytics, we generated seven figures in revenue in our first full year of operations by bringing pharmaceutical-grade rigor to the consumer peptide market. We are now launching our next chapter as a standalone Chattanooga, TN laboratory, with a mission to become the premier consumer-facing analytical lab in the US.This is not a standard "employee" role. It is an opportunity to escape the bureaucracy of large-scale pharma, build your own Quality Management System from the ground up, and secure up to 30% equity ownership in a profitable, scaling business.Your MandateYou will be the scientific architect of the company. You will transition us from a shared-lab model to a fully independent, world-class facility. You will own the analytical strategy, from instrument qualification and method validation to the eventual accreditation of the laboratory.Phase 1: Foundation & Validation• Strategic Buildout: Lead the selection, procurement, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of the laboratory’s instrument fleet (primarily LC-MS) in a capital efficient manner.• Method Development: Develop and validate robust LC-MS methods for peptide purity, identification, and quantification in accordance with USP <1225> and ICH guidelines.• Digital Infrastructure: Oversee the implementation of LIMS (Senaite or similar) and establish data automation protocols to efficiently go from chromatographic results to final CoAs.• Hands-on Leadership: Perform sample analysis and data review during the startup phase, setting the standard for precision and throughput.Phase 2: Scale & Accreditation• Quality Systems: Design and implement a QMS compliant with ISO 17025 standards to prepare the lab for future accreditation.• Team Building: Recruit, train, and mentor a team of analytical chemists and technicians as sample volume scales.• Technical Authority: Serve as the primary scientific liaison for key accounts, translating complex analytical data into actionable insights for clients.Qualifications• Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a related life science discipline.• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on HPLC-MS experience, preferably in a cGMP Pharmaceutical or ISO 17025 accredited environment.• Technical Mastery: Deep familiarity with instrument troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration. You are comfortable evaluating secondary-market instrumentation and restoring it to validated operational status.• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of USP, FDA, and ISO guidelines regarding method validation and documentation.• The "Builder" Mindset: You are tired of being a cog in a machine. You want the autonomy to make decisions fast, design your own workflows, and directly reap the financial rewards of your hard work.• Consumer Facing: Prior experience with consumer-facing science roles, client education, or scientific content creation is a bonus.Why This Role?• Real Equity: We offer a clear path to 30% co-founder equity. You aren't just building a lab; you are building your asset.• Proven Revenue: Unlike most biotech startups, we have immediate cash flow and a proven product-market fit.• Autonomy: No red tape. No legacy SOPs that don't make sense. You set the scientific standard.• Lifestyle: Chattanooga is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US—world-class climbing, hiking, and water sports with a low cost of living and no state income tax.Compensation Structure• Year 1 (Probationary): 30% of net laboratory proceeds or monthly base (whichever is higher). To ensure stability during the buildout, we provide a guaranteed monthly base (annualized at $65k–$85k DOE).• Equity Vesting: Upon successful completion of the 12-month foundational phase, you become eligible for up to 30% equity partnership.• Long-Term: Unlimited income upside based on lab throughput and profit sharing.