laboratoriologian

Laboratoriologian is a neologistic term used to describe a professional who studies laboratories as social-technical systems and applies interdisciplinary methods to their design, operation, safety, and governance. The concept treats laboratories not only as spaces for experimentation but as complex organizations where people, procedures, equipment, and regulatory requirements interact.

In this framing, a laboratory is viewed as more than a venue for experimentation; it is an organized system where workflows, safety culture, and governance structures influence performance, risk, and learning. The laboratoriologian analyzes how elements such as space planning, process design, instrumentation, and management practices affect outcomes across scientific and industrial settings.

Typical activities include evaluating laboratory layouts and workflows, selecting instrumentation and automation, guiding process improvement, implementing quality management and safety programs, and ensuring regulatory compliance with standards such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and ISO 17025 where relevant. The role often involves risk assessment, waste management, training, and fostering continuous improvement within research and production environments.

Education and training for laboratoriologists generally combine science or engineering foundations with courses in laboratory management, safety culture, quality assurance, and environmental health. Professionals may come from chemistry, biology, physics, chemical or industrial engineering, or related fields, and may pursue certifications in safety, quality, or facilities management.

Status and use: The term is not widely adopted as a formal profession in many jurisdictions; it appears mainly in theoretical discussions, interdisciplinary program proposals, or speculative writing. In practice, related roles include laboratory manager, facilities manager, laboratory safety officer, and process engineer.