Laboratory Director

Chattanooga, TN (On-site) - Guaranteed Base ($65k–$85k) or 30% Profit Share (Year
1) → Up to 30% Equity (post Year
1)

We 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.

• 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 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.