Head of Discovery Lab

Job ResponsibilityLab build-out: Own the facility build end to end, from site to operational lab.Compliance: Establish the lab's EHS program and obtain required related permits.Team building: Hire a team of roughly 17–21 people in phases.Closed-loop operations and data quality: Co-build the work-order system with the AI and engineering teams, and ensure every experiment runs on AI-generated work orders and SOPs. This includes:Establishing an SOP for each experiment type and validating its reproducibility;Capturing raw data in real time, including failed and anomalous results;Keeping all data comparable and traceable.Efficiency and cost: Manage an annual budget in the tens of millions of USD. Increase instrument utilization and throughput. Manage outsourced services such as animal studies.Collaboration: Partner with scientific and customer project teams to support validation work for customer lab projects.Required QualificationsMS or PhD in life sciences, chemistry, materials science or a related field;10+ years of laboratory experience, including at least 5 in lab operations or management;Has led at least one greenfield lab build or major expansion end to end: site, construction, procurement and compliance;Deep familiarity with US lab EHS requirements and permitting;Has managed a cross-disciplinary team of 10+ and a high budget projectPreferred QualificationsHas run both biology and chemistry/materials labs;Experience with lab automation, LIMS, ELN or data-driven R&D;Has built labs, with a network of design, construction and equipment vendors;Startup or high-growth company experience; Embraces AI-designed experiments and a data-first way of working.