I can totally recommend this science lab, which I have used ever since I discovered it years ago:
https://dl.dropbox.com/s/xea0q2hzvbgqeyp/Lab.jpg?dl=0
I edited it only slightly when Strangerville came out to add a few more science-y things in, but it is fab as it is and only uses the GTW pack. As for where your scientist can live, I don't see why they couldn't commute to the nearby desert from anywhere. One of my scientists does live in Strangerville but the other one lives in Newcrest :) It's only a train journey away ;)
