Laboratory Director

Company DescriptionHarken Research is an ISO17025 accredited testing laboratory located in Los Angeles with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics are the focus – with additional testing services catering to other industries. Our strengths are our ability to offer customized testing and problem solving to address client needs; excellent customer service; and quick turnaround times.SummaryHarken Research is seeking an experienced Lab Director to serve as the senior scientific and technical authority within the laboratory. This role is highly hands-on and execution-focused. The Lab Director will oversee senior scientists, lead technical troubleshooting and data review, guide complex investigations, and ensure the scientific integrity of laboratory operations.The Lab Director will work closely with the CEO, CSO, and Lab Manager as part of the laboratory leadership team. This role is intended to fully own day-to-day scientific leadership, technical decision-making, data integrity oversight, and complex laboratory problem-solving.This is a high-impact leadership role with direct visibility to executive leadership and significant influence over the future growth and scalability of the laboratory.DutiesScientific & Technical LeadershipServe as the senior technical authority for the laboratoryLead, mentor, and support senior scientists across HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS platformsProvide high-level troubleshooting support for difficult analytical, instrumentation, chromatography, and data integrity issuesGuide scientists through complex root cause investigations and technical problem-solvingReview analytical data critically and identify issues related to chromatography, sample preparation, calibration, matrix interference, contamination, extraction efficiency, or instrument performanceData Review & Quality OversightServe as final scientific reviewer for laboratory data prior to client releaseWork closely with QA leadership to ensure compliance with ISO 17025 standards, SOPs, and internal quality systemsEnsure analytical results are accurate, defensible, and scientifically soundSupport investigations involving OOS results, deviations, CAPAs, and technical client concernsClient Investigations & Technical CommunicationServe as the primary technical lead for difficult client investigations and escalationsParticipate directly in client calls and technical discussions regarding unexpected results, analytical limitations, or disputed findingsCommunicate complex analytical concepts clearly and professionally to clientsBuild client confidence through strong technical competency and responsivenessOperational & Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate closely with laboratory operations leadership, QA, and the CEO to improve laboratory efficiency and scalabilityHelp optimize scientific workflows, testing quality, and turnaround timesPartner with operations leadership on scientist development, technical training, and resource planningContribute to method development, continuous improvement, and expansion of laboratory capabilitiesQualifications15+ years of analytical chemistry experience in a commercial, contract, or third-party testing laboratory environmentDeep hands-on expertise with HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS instrumentation and troubleshootingExtensive experience working within an ISO 17025-accredited laboratoryStrong understanding of analytical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and laboratory investigationsIndustry experience in dietary supplements, food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or related consumer products strongly preferredProven leadership experience managing scientists and leading technical teamsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsComfortable handling technically difficult client conversations professionally and confidentlyStrong critical thinking and scientific decision-making abilitiesBachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific field requiredM.S. or Ph.D. strongly preferredLeadership & Interpersonal Skills (Critical to Success)Highly technical and scientifically strongHands-on leader who enjoys troubleshooting and solving complex analytical problemsAble to move quickly and make sound scientific decisions in a fast-paced laboratory environmentStrong sense of ownership and accountabilityHigh attention to detail and commitment to data integrityCalm and professional under pressureIdeal BackgroundStrong candidates may come from:High-throughput analytical testing labsMethod development roles within regulated environmentsHybrid R&D + QC backgroundsDietary supplement, food, pharmaceutical, or contract testing labsWe value:Scientific reasoningOperational disciplineClear communicationCalm under pressureWillingness to be hands-onCompensation & Benefits$140,000 – $180,000/year (depending on experience)Health, dental, and vision insurancePaid holidays and PTO401k with company matchOpportunity for advancementTo ApplyPlease email your resume along with cover letter.Job Type: Full-timeBenefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offVision insurance