Vice President – Laboratory Systems and Instrumentation

The Vice President – Laboratory Systems and Instrumentation leads the strategic direction, standardization, and optimization of all laboratory equipment, automation platforms, and supporting systems across enterprise lab operations. This role ensures that laboratory instrumentation is scalable, compliant, and aligned with business, clinical, or scientific needs. The VP is responsible for building high-performance lab environments powered by smart technologies, robust instrumentation, and efficient support systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and lead the enterprise strategy for laboratory systems, instrumentation, and automation.

• Oversee selection, validation, lifecycle management, and standardization of analytical, diagnostic, and robotic equipment across multiple labs.

• Establish and enforce equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), calibration, and preventative maintenance protocols.

• Lead integration of lab systems with LIMS/LIS, SCADA, MES, and other enterprise platforms.

• Evaluate and implement next-gen laboratory automation: robotics, modular systems, connected sensors, and AI-driven instruments.

• Ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, CLIA, CAP, ISO 17025, GMP) for all lab instruments and systems.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, Quality, Operations, and Scientific teams to align system capabilities with organizational needs.

• Oversee vendor management, procurement strategies, and capital budgeting for instrumentation and lab infrastructure.

• Drive sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives across lab infrastructure and equipment use.

• Lead and develop a global team of systems engineers, instrumentation experts, and support staff.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Instrumentation Strategy & Lifecycle Management

   • Standardize lab equipment across global sites

   • Manage selection, commissioning, qualification, and decommissioning processes

2. Automation & Smart Lab Enablement

   • Drive adoption of lab automation platforms and robotics

   • Implement IoT-enabled instruments and digital maintenance systems

3. System Integration & Digital Infrastructure

   • Align laboratory instruments with LIMS/LIS, SCADA, and data acquisition systems

   • Support real-time data flow and lab analytics

4. Compliance, Quality & Maintenance

   • Ensure GMP/GLP compliance, proper validation (CSV), and documentation practices

   • Oversee calibration, PM schedules, and asset tracking systems

5. Capital Planning & Vendor Management

   • Lead multi-million-dollar equipment procurement and service contracts

   • Manage vendor qualification, performance, and partnerships

6. Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

   • Build and lead a high-impact instrumentation and support team

   • Foster continuous improvement and innovation in lab system operations

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Biomedical Technology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field

  • Advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MBA) preferred for global leadership roles

• Experience:

  • 15+ years in laboratory operations, instrumentation engineering, or automation systems

  • At least 7 years in executive or senior leadership roles managing complex, multi-site lab environments

• Technical Expertise:

  • In-depth knowledge of:

    • Laboratory instrumentation (analytical, clinical, or industrial)

    • Automation platforms (robotic arms, TLA systems)

    • Digital integration (LIMS, SCADA, PLC/DCS, OPC-UA, HL7)

    • Regulatory and validation standards (GAMP5, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO, etc.)

• Leadership Competencies:

  • Strategic foresight, team development, capital planning

  • Cross-functional collaboration and executive communication