People Behind the Progress: Growth in the Test Labs Team

In the last six months, a lot has changed at Test Labs — new equipment, expanded services, and, most importantly, new people. As Head of Laboratory, I’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation, and I can confidently say that the most exciting part of our continued growth isn’t what we’ve added to the lab, it’s who we’ve added.

We’ve been steadily scaling our operations in response to an ever-increasing demand for medical device testing. Our clients, from global OEMs to disruptive startups, rely on us for high-quality, reliable, and timely data to support regulatory submissions and product development. Meeting those expectations means investing in capacity and capability. And while new machines and expanded scopes are visible markers of our evolution, the true backbone of our success remains the people in the lab — our scientists.

A Growing Laboratory to Match Market Demand

Over the past few months, we’ve commissioned new equipment, broadened our service offering, and onboarded three new team members. These changes reflect a broader trend we’re seeing in the industry: greater scrutiny, tighter timelines, and a growing need for testing partners who can deliver both speed and quality.

We’re being asked to take on more technically complex studies, often with very short lead times. That’s why we’ve scaled our lab and our team, not just to keep up, but to stay ahead. Growth is part of our DNA at Test Labs, and with each expansion, we reaffirm our commitment to being a flexible, responsive, and reliable partner.

The Scientist Behind the Data

It’s easy to focus on study protocols, validation reports, and regulatory deliverables. But behind every data set we send out, there’s a scientist — planning, preparing, executing, troubleshooting. Our scientists are the engine of our operation, and we never lose sight of that. In fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is welcoming new talent into the team and watching them thrive.

Onboarding new people is something we take seriously. Recently, we welcomed Joseph, Gabriela, and Kevin to the Test Labs team, each with their own unique background and motivation for joining.

• Joseph joined us through a student placement program and quickly demonstrated a strong grasp of lab fundamentals and a curiosity that fits perfectly with our culture of continuous learning.
• Gabriela made the move from a high-throughput manufacturing lab to our more technically varied medical device testing environment, where she could expand her skills and impact.
• Kevin took a leap from a large CRO to join our agile and dynamic team, seeking a role where he could share his knowledge and passion for science and contribute to the development of new methods and work closer to the client experience.

Each of them found their way to us differently, but they were all drawn to the same thing: a place where they could grow professionally and use their experience to make a real impact.

Creating an Environment Where People Thrive

At Test Labs, we don’t just hire people to fill roles. We look for individuals who want to challenge themselves and contribute to a team that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medical device testing.

Our interview process is designed to be transparent and inclusive, offering candidates a clear understanding of the role, the team, and what success looks like. Once they join, the induction is robust, covering everything from laboratory basic safety practices to hands-on technical training. But the learning doesn’t stop there.

We’ve created a unique scientist development program designed to help every team member become an expert in their field. That means joining client calls, contributing to scope development, and tackling real-world testing challenges early on. It’s a model that works, our scientists feel empowered, and clients benefit from a direct line to the people doing the work. It shortens the feedback loop and builds trust on both sides.

As managers we are responsible of four main pillars. Clarity ensures both parties are well aligned; Feedback ensures that good work is recognised immediately as well as adjustment needed to help growth; Support is necessary from our side to help the scientists thrive and meet their goals; all of this will eventually build Trust in each other to grow together as a strong team.

Collaboration Drives Quality

One of the first things new scientists notice is how deeply collaborative our culture is. We start each day with a lab huddle — a quick but focused session to align on priorities, troubleshoot challenges, and support each other. We hold each other accountable, but always constructively. Everyone’s work impacts someone else, and we make a point of ensuring those connections are clear.

Tautvydas Karitonas, our Managing Director, often reminds us that in business, just like in football, no one should have to guess who’s playing what position. Everyone needs to know the strategy, the goals, and their part in achieving them. That philosophy runs deep in our team. Our scientists aren’t hidden behind the scenes — they are part of the decision-making, the planning, and the strategy.

Each quarter, we run a strategy session where the entire team, including scientists,  contributes to how we shape our lab operations and future roadmap. Whether it’s expanding our ISO 17025 scope, improving turnaround times, or introducing new methods to meet FDA or MDR requirements, our scientists help lead the way.

Supporting Our Clients by Investing in People

Clients come to us because they need a testing partner who can match their pace and deliver accurate results without compromise. That means being responsive — answering enquiries within minutes, not days. It means being flexible — building test space tailored to their product and giving them direct access to our lab if needed. And most of all, it means putting the right people on their projects.

We assign a dedicated Study Director and Account Manager to every client. This structure ensures clarity, communication, and continuity throughout the project. When new scientist join, they are integrated into this model from day one, learning not just how to run tests, but how to interpret data, manage timelines, and respond to client needs.

As Head of Laboratory, it’s my job to ensure we have the right systems in place to make this all possible. That includes everything from training plans and quality assurance to resource planning and equipment maintenance. But the heart of it is always the team — how we work together, how we grow together, and how we support each other.

Looking Ahead

Our recent growth is just one chapter in a much bigger story. We’re building something special here — a team that is technically excellent, deeply motivated, and committed to delivering the best possible experience for our clients. Whether it’s expanding our test menu, responding to urgent regulatory timelines, or helping a client launch their first device, we’re ready for what’s next.

To our newest scientists — welcome. We’re excited to have you on board.

And to our clients — thank you for trusting us. We don’t take it lightly. Every test we run, every report we write, every result we deliver — it’s all built on the foundation of a team that truly cares.

Here’s to the people behind the progress.