Analytical Lab Lead

Job Details

Description

Vesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering and technology, primarily serving the global steel and foundry industries. We develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to increase their efficiency and productivity, enhance quality, improve safety and reduce their costs and their environmental impact. Our history spans more than 100 years, we are on six continents with more than 11,000 employees. We value diversity. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to provide our shareholders with a superior return on their investment, while providing our employees with a safe workplace where they are recognized, developed and properly rewarded.

Position Purpose

The Analytical Lab Lead provides advanced technical leadership within the R\&D analytical laboratory, delivering expert-level analytical testing capability, method development, and deep technical judgment.

Position Summary

The Analytical Lab Lead is a senior technical contributor responsible for advanced analytical execution, laboratory capability development, equipment expertise, and mentorship. In addition, the role includes serving as the Site Chemical Hygiene Officer (20% of responsibilities), providing leadership in chemical hygiene, laboratory condition management, safety program execution, and regulatory compliance activities.

Essential Duties \& Responsibilities

• Advanced Analytical Testing \& Project Leadership — 45%
• Perform complex analytical testing requiring expert understanding of test methods, material behavior, and analytical science.
• Lead development, redesign, and optimization of analytical test methods and procedures.
• Advise engineers and project teams by interpreting complex data and connecting results to material performance.
• Drive advanced root-cause problem solving using SEM, XRD, chemical analysis, and other specialty tools.
• Lead analytical components of major R\&D projects, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables.
• Prepare detailed technical reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Equipment Technical Expertise, Ownership \& Capability Building — 20%
• Serve as technical expert on complex or specialty analytical equipment (e.g., SEM, XRD, thermal analysis).
• Diagnose equipment performance issues and coordinate troubleshooting or vendor repair.
• Lead acquisition, commissioning, and validation of new analytical equipment.
• Develop training materials and mentor staff in proper equipment operation and method execution.
• Laboratory Leadership, Coordination \& Mentorship — 15%
• Guide daily analytical workflow and support laboratory scheduling and prioritization (non-supervisory).
• Mentor technicians and analysts on analytical methods, troubleshooting, and scientific reasoning.
• Lead cross-functional technical discussions representing the analytical laboratory.
• Chemical Hygiene \& Safety Leadership (Chemical Hygiene Officer) — 20%
• Conduct monthly chemical hygiene audits of all laboratory areas.
• Lead weekly lab condition meetings and maintain scheduled improvement time.
• Approve incoming raw materials, including SDS review and hazard classification.
• Coordinate biannual hazardous waste lab packs (inventory, labeling, disposal).
• Participate in site safety committee meetings to align chemical hygiene plans.
• Complete monthly risk and ergonomic assessments with action plans.
• Participate in and occasionally lead safety trainings and team talks.
• Organize Safety Day activities and chemical hygiene programming.
• Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; Associate degree acceptable with extensive experience.
• Extensive laboratory experience demonstrating expert-level analytical capability.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and leading technical components of R\&D projects.
• Experience with chemical hygiene or laboratory safety practices preferred.
• Skills \& Behaviors
• Expert analytical judgment and the ability to interpret complex scientific data.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• High attention to detail and rigorous scientific documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple high-complexity assignments effectively.
• Proficiency with analytical software, lab instrumentation platforms, and data systems.
• Working Conditions
• 100% indoor laboratory environment.
• Routine exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, and analytical instrumentation.
• Strict adherence to PPE, chemical hygiene plans, and safety protocols required.