In today’s fast-paced scientific industry, young lab managers must navigate a range of challenges and opportunities, requiring both technical expertise and strong leadership skills. Mastering lab management best practices is essential for success, as emerging leaders must balance operational efficiency with innovation. Beyond technical proficiency, effective lab leadership skills—including adaptability, communication, and team collaboration—are critical to driving progress. Those who excel in scientific leadership inspire their teams, foster a culture of innovation, and contribute to the advancement of research and development.
Each year, Lab Manager honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and management skills through our Leadership Excellence Awards program. The 2025 Leadership Excellence Awards recognize seven individuals for their outstanding contributions to their respective organizations.
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Jean-Philippe (JP) Chauvin, R&D manager at Arkema Inc., is the recipient of the 2025 Young Lab Manager Excellence Award, which recognizes individuals under 40 years of age who have made a significant impact in their organization.
Michelle Gaulin, associate editor at Lab Manager, spoke with Chauvin about his leadership journey, the key qualities of an effective lab manager, and the strategies he employs to stay at the forefront of his field.
Q: What resources or individuals did you learn your leadership and management skills from?
A: Most of my initial learning was done “on the fly” through observations of how my managers led their teams. My first experience as a mentor was supervising undergraduate students while pursuing my PhD at the University of Ottawa. I was influenced by my PhD advisor and senior lab colleagues at the time, who were leaders by example. More recently, joining Arkema has allowed me to develop new management skills in an industrial setting through mentorship and training opportunities offered by the company.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role and career?
A: I enjoy working as part of a dynamic team in a role that offers continuous learning opportunities. I am exposed to new topics and various challenges that keep me motivated and engaged. I also enjoy seeing firsthand the growth of people on my team and the development of the projects we work on.
Q: In your opinion, what are the most important qualities or skills for a laboratory leader to possess?
“I believe empathy and trust are two crucial skills to build and sustain as a leader.”
A: I believe empathy and trust are two crucial skills to build and sustain as a leader. Empathy promotes open communication and enhances collaboration within the team. Trust empowers the team to take initiative and fosters a sense of ownership, which positively impacts productivity and encourages an innovation mindset.
Q: As a newer lab manager, how have you earned the trust and respect of your team?
A: I work with a great team that I’ve known for years, even before stepping into my current role. Two things have been key to maintaining that relationship:
- Open communication through routine meetings and regular check-ins
- Being an advocate for team members by ensuring they are recognized and visible across groups and functions
Q: What strategies do you employ to stay updated with the latest developments in your field?
A: I try to keep an active network of peers within Arkema through specialized groups, and I participate in external activities, such as conferences and seminars, that focus on areas of interest in my field. I am also a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Sulfur Chemistry, a role that keeps me informed about the latest developments in sulfur chemistry.
JP Chauvin’s career journey
Chauvin earned a PhD in chemistry from the University of Ottawa in 2019. That same year, he joined Arkema as a scientist in the Thiochemicals R&D division. His research focused on new process developments, process improvements, and plant support, working with global teams. He was promoted to research scientist in 2022 and to R&D manager of the Thiochemicals R&D group at Arkema in 2024.
Outside of Arkema, Chauvin has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Sulfur Chemistry since 2022, where he reviews journal articles and advises the editor in chief.
