Director of Chemistry

Our client is a dynamic and innovative biotech company located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lab Director to lead their analytical chemistry team in a fast‑paced laboratory environment. This is a confidential search.

The Lab Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Chemistry and Microbiology teams, ensuring exceptional scientific rigor, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards. This role requires a hands‑on leader with deep expertise in analytical chemistry, method development, and team development.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in analytical chemistry, including method principles, sample preparation, trace analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Proven experience developing, optimizing, validating, and troubleshooting methods for HPLC, LC‑MS, GC, and GC‑MS.
• Lead method transfers, assess robustness, and guide teams through complex analytical challenges.

• Oversee day‑to‑day lab operations, including staffing, scheduling, workload prioritization, and performance tracking.
• Drive Chemistry and Microbiology teams to consistently meet on‑time delivery, backlog reduction, and quality targets.

• Experience in ISO 17025, GMP/GLP, or other regulated analytical environments.
• Ensure SOP compliance, manage CAPA and deviation processes, and maintain strong partnerships with Quality Assurance.

• Train and mentor chemists and supervisors, build technical depth, and elevate lab capability through cross‑training and structured development.
• Provide hands‑on technical leadership to strengthen team performance and problem‑solving capabilities.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field. Advanced degrees preferred.
• 10+ years of hands‑on experience in analytical chemistry, with demonstrated expertise in HPLC, LC‑MS, GC, and GC‑MS.
• Proven experience in method development, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting in a regulated environment.
• Strong operational leadership experience in a high‑throughput laboratory, including staffing, scheduling, workload management, and team performance oversight.
• In-depth knowledge of quality and compliance standards, including ISO 17025, GMP/GLP, and SOP management.
• Experience leading and mentoring technical teams, developing staff capabilities, and fostering a collaborative, high‑performance lab culture.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to guide teams through complex analytical challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Dallas/Fort Worth area, onsite

• 401(k)
• Vision insurance
• Medical insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid maternity leave
• Disability insurance