About
We empower development, while protecting the environment.
Our success and organic growth can be attributed to our team of experts operating in house from our ISO 17025 and INAB accredited testing laboratories, serving a diverse client base from small to large businesses in the public and private sectors we continue to build on our academic success and technical expertise, which enables us to provide a range of bespoke and science led solutions for our customers.
Southern Scientific Services operate to the highest standards of quality so that customers can have the confidence to act on our results. We take great pride in providing a friendly and prompt service every time you need us. Our personal guarantee is based on the confidence we place on our Team’s ability to resolve your specific requirements within an agreed time-frame.
Meet Our Team
Conor Murphy
Chief Executive Officer
Conor has been with Southern Scientific for over 15 years, moving from Soil Technical Manager through Quality and Operations before becoming CEO.
He holds a PhD in Soil and Plant Science from the University of Aberdeen.
He now leads the company’s growth, working closely with clients across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, agriculture, construction, water, and the public sector.
Michael Murphy
Director
Michael is a founding member and director of Southern Scientific, involved in the company since its earliest stages.
He holds a BSc in Chemistry from DIT and an MSc in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin.
His 37-year career spans laboratory chemistry, environmental consultancy, and academic lecturing, and continues to shape the company’s approach to environmental monitoring and analytical testing today.
Loretta Corcoran
Chief Operations Officer
Loretta joined Southern Scientific in 2023 as Chief Science Officer and now serves as COO, based at the County Kerry site.
Her background is in isotope geochemistry, with a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington and postdoctoral research at the University of Notre Dame in nuclear forensics.
That research and lab management background now guides her scientific leadership and day-to-day operations at Southern Scientific.
John Gallagher
Head of Sales & Business Development
John brings 30 years of experience in international business development, marketing, and management to his role at Southern Scientific.
He leads sales and marketing across pharma, food, agriculture, construction, water, and government sectors, overseeing sales growth and new client acquisition.
Ruth Murphy
Business Development & Pharmaceutical Testing
Ruth has been with Southern Scientific for 10 years, building her career at the company as Laboratory Manager before moving into business development, focused on the pharma sector.
That decade of hands-on lab experience shapes how she works with pharma clients, understanding what they need from a testing partner.
Ailish Moriarty
Head of Customer Care
Ailish joined Southern Scientific in December 2025 as Head of Customer Care, bringing over two decades of experience in agriculture, food, and dairy. She holds a BSc in Food Technology from UCC and an MBA from IT Tralee.
That background in production, quality, and sustainability shapes how she works with clients at Southern Scientific.
Deborah Murphy
Financial Controller
Deborah has been Financial Controller at Southern Scientific for 15 years, leading the finance team and shaping the company’s direction.
Her expertise spans financial reporting, controls, and group consolidation, underpinning the financial stability customers rely on when choosing Southern Scientific as a long-term partner.
Niamh McCarthy
Head of Human Resources
Niamh joined Southern Scientific in November 2025 as part of the HR team, before moving into her current role as Head of HR. She holds degrees in Business Studies and in Leadership, Change & Human Resources.
That mix of experience shapes how she leads HR at Southern Scientific.
Who We Work With
