Job Vacancy – Head of Laboratory

Our client, Natural State, is a non-profit organization focused on large-scale environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation, using technology, impact monitoring, and innovative finance mechanisms to drive nature-based solutions worldwide. Natural State is seeking a highly driven and experienced professional to fill the following position at the Natural State Research Centre (near Lewa Conservancy, Nanyuki – Kenya).

HEAD OF LABORATORY

Reporting to the Impact Monitoring Department Leadership, the incumbent will lead and manage Natural State’s multidisciplinary environmental analysis laboratory. The role will oversee laboratory operations, scientific analysis, and the transition of the laboratory from a research-focused facility to a commercial service provider delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and timely analytical services to both internal teams and external partners. The position will also ensure operational excellence, scientific integrity, and the. development of scalable laboratory systems that support global ecosystem restoration initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing overall laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflows, compliance with health and safety regulations, and adherence to quality standards such as International Organization for Standardization or Good Laboratory Practice standards where applicable.

• Co-developing and implementing the laboratory’s strategic direction, supporting its transition from a research-focused facility to a commercially viable analytical service provider.

• Overseeing analytical programs and methodologies including spectroscopy, environmental DNA (eDNA), invertebrate identification and collection, and soil biodiversity analysis.

• Establishing and maintaining robust quality assurance and quality control systems, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory protocols, sample handling processes, equipment calibration, and reporting standards.

• Implementing strong data management systems to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and integration with broader environmental monitoring and analytical frameworks.

• Supporting commercialization and service delivery, including developing of fee-for-service models, pricing structures, revenue forecasting, and management of laboratory budgets and financial performance.

• Managing client and partner relationships, ensuring accurate, timely, and cost-effective delivery of analytical services while monitoring key performance indicators such as turnaround time, cost per sample, and client satisfaction.

• Leading and developing the laboratory team, including supervising technicians and analysts, facilitating training, mentoring staff, and overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluations.

• Collaborating with internal research teams to support field sampling campaigns, analytical studies, and the development and validation of new scientific methods and tools.

• Managing laboratory resources and infrastructure, including procurement, inventory control, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and upgrades of analytical instruments.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s Degree, PhD or Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related discipline.

• At least 5 years’ experience in laboratory management or a senior laboratory role, preferably within an environmental or ecological context.

• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: spectroscopy, molecular biology/genetics, or soil biodiversity analysis.

• Proven ability to manage laboratory budgets, resources, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience delivering scientific services on a commercial basis or within contract research environments.

• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and standards required for laboratory accreditation.

• Strong project management capabilities and experience engaging with clients or external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience mentoring junior staff and students.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.

• High attention to detail and commitment to scientific integrity and reproducibility.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative working style.

• Adaptability and ability to develop new systems and processes in a growing organization.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with conservation organizations, ecological monitoring programmes, or environmental impact assessments.

• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to scale operations sustainably and build new systems from the ground up.

Interested candidates are requested to forward their updated CVs to recruit@virtualhr.co.ke, stating the subject heading Head of Laboratory by Friday, 27th March 2026. Please indicate your expected remuneration and provide contacts and addresses for three referees.

Note:

• Natural State is an equal opportunity employer. The Organization celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.