Akmal Rana Ph. D.

Material Core Labs Director @ Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar

Qatar

About

Accomplished Senior C-Suite Manager strongly positioned for Quality Management leadership and Regulatory Compliance roles, in R & D institutions, chemical & petrochemical industry. Technical expertise in polymer manufacturing technologies and product development with a strong passion for designing and implementing Quality Management Systems, Process Controls, Centralized information management systems, Software Control, System Compliance, Certifications, and Accreditation for medium to large organizations. Operational Excellence for Environment, Safety, Quality, Risk Management, and Business Continuity Planning for achieving Industry 5.0 goals for sustainable development. Led the development of multimillion-dollar analytical facilities, regulatory compliance & product certification laboratories for Q-Chem, (A Joint Venture between Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company, Chevron Phillips Chemical International Qatar, and Qatar Energy) and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Qatar Foundation.  Result-driven with over 20+ years of intensive Industry and Academic Lab operation experience  A team-oriented leader with expertise in employee engagement, customer relationships, and time management  Product QA/QC, compliant management and product development.  QA/QC data visualization and business intelligence reporting.  Management of change and corporate efficiency improvement for continuous and continual improvement  Leading organization with data driven growth for sustained decision-making

Experience

  • Materials Core Labs Director at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundations
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Currently serving as Director of the Materials Core Laboratories (MCL) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). The Materials Core Laboratories (MCL), located within the HBKU Research Complex, provide advanced materials characterization, imaging, and analytical services. MCL supports interdisciplinary research across clean energy, nanotechnology, electronics, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical sciences by delivering state-of-the-art instrumentation and high-fidelity measurements. Our capabilities enable researchers and industry partners to comprehensively analyze, understand, and optimize material properties to address complex scientific and technological challenges. MCL comprises a network of specialized laboratories, each designed to deliver precision measurements and advanced analytical solutions: Electron Microscopy Laboratory Surface Chemistry & Depth-Profiling Laboratory X-ray Characterization Laboratory NMR & Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory Thermal Analysis Laboratory Thin-Film, Optical & Device Metrology Laboratory Sample Preparation Laboratory Together, these facilities provide integrated, end-to-end characterization workflows—from meticulous sample preparation to advanced multi-technique analysis—ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and scientific rigor. Contract Testing & Analytical Services Confidential materials testing, validation, and independent analytical assessment tailored to academic, governmental, and industrial clients. Specialized guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, clarification of technique limitations, and strategic recommendations for subsequent investigative steps. Controlled laboratory access through structured user onboarding, certification programs, and hands-on technical training to ensure safe, compliant, and proficient equipment operation.

  • Director Quality Management at Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute
    Feb 2019 - Jan 2025 · 6 yrs

    My assignment include to create, enact and update Quality Management (QM) strategy and program for QEERI (Qatar Environment& Energy Research Institute) that encompass Quality Assurance and Quality Control in accordance with Qatar Foundation and Qatar National vision 2030. It also include to build and maintain QA/QC culture and implement a system at various organizational levels in the institute and also train employees on the implementation and certification of Integrated Management System. My other role include design, customize and implementation of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) across QEERI to facilitate all QA/QC and research activities. Also leading activities of Document Control and Management System across the Institute. Other responsibility include establishing Risk Management System in accordance with Enterprise Risk Management system.

  • Q-Chem (17 yrs 5 mos)
    • MR (Management Representative) for QMS (ISO 9001: 2008 and ISO 9001:2015)
      Nov 2010 - Oct 2018 · 8 yrs

      Responsible for implementation of Quality Management System at Q-Chem complex.

    • Laboratory Superintendent
      Jun 2001 - Oct 2018 · 17 yrs 5 mos

  • QA/QC Manager at EQUATE Petrochemical Company
    Apr 1997 - May 2001 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    Head of QA/QC activities at EQUATE. Certified Lead ISO 9002 1994 Auditor

  • Assistant General Manager- Production at Dewan Salman Fiber Ltd
    Jan 1993 - Apr 1997 · 4 yrs 4 mos

    Responsible for Line one production.