Lab Director - Cannabis Testing
Viridian Staffing, Little Rock, AR, United States
Laboratory Director
Viridian Staffing's client is looking for an experienced Laboratory Director for an Analytical Cannabis Testing Laboratory in Little Rock, Arkansas. In this role, you will oversee day-to-day analytical laboratory operations in a high-throughput commercial testing environment serving licensed cannabis operators. You will supervise laboratory staff across sample preparation and data review functions while ensuring defensible data and consistent turnaround times for approximately 1,500 samples per month. You will provide final data review and release for regulated testing and ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems, including audits, documentation control, deviation management, and CAPA processes. Using your hands-on analytical chemistry expertise, you will oversee calibration, qualification, validation, and maintenance of instrumentation including LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC platforms. You will also support LIMS/QMS administration and collaborate with operations leadership to maintain throughput efficiency and data integrity. This role requires a strong customer-service mindset, and you will serve as a technical resource to clients, responding quickly to inquiries and resolving technical issues. You will work closely with onsite leadership and operations management while mentoring an established technical team and fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture where leaders actively assist staff when needed. Key Responsibilities: Direct oversight of daily laboratory analytical operations and sample throughput Final data review and release of regulated analytical testing results ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System oversight and compliance Internal and external audit preparation and accreditation maintenance Instrument calibration, qualification, validation, and maintenance Method validation and technical troubleshooting (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC) LIMS and QMS administration (commercial laboratory environment) Continuous improvement of turnaround times and operational efficiency Staff supervision, coaching, scheduling, and performance management Customer technical support and issue resolution Collaboration with operations leadership to ensure defensible data and regulatory compliance Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related life science field (advanced degrees welcomed but not required) Experience working in an analytical testing laboratory Hands-on operation and maintenance experience with: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC Experience with method validation and laboratory troubleshooting Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and audits Experience supervising laboratory or technical staff Exceptional communication and customer service skills/Ability to explain complex scientific results Pay Range: $85,000 $105,000 + performance bonus eligible Benefits: Medical, Dental, PTO
Viridian Staffing's client is looking for an experienced Laboratory Director for an Analytical Cannabis Testing Laboratory in Little Rock, Arkansas. In this role, you will oversee day-to-day analytical laboratory operations in a high-throughput commercial testing environment serving licensed cannabis operators. You will supervise laboratory staff across sample preparation and data review functions while ensuring defensible data and consistent turnaround times for approximately 1,500 samples per month. You will provide final data review and release for regulated testing and ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems, including audits, documentation control, deviation management, and CAPA processes. Using your hands-on analytical chemistry expertise, you will oversee calibration, qualification, validation, and maintenance of instrumentation including LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC platforms. You will also support LIMS/QMS administration and collaborate with operations leadership to maintain throughput efficiency and data integrity. This role requires a strong customer-service mindset, and you will serve as a technical resource to clients, responding quickly to inquiries and resolving technical issues. You will work closely with onsite leadership and operations management while mentoring an established technical team and fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture where leaders actively assist staff when needed. Key Responsibilities: Direct oversight of daily laboratory analytical operations and sample throughput Final data review and release of regulated analytical testing results ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System oversight and compliance Internal and external audit preparation and accreditation maintenance Instrument calibration, qualification, validation, and maintenance Method validation and technical troubleshooting (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC) LIMS and QMS administration (commercial laboratory environment) Continuous improvement of turnaround times and operational efficiency Staff supervision, coaching, scheduling, and performance management Customer technical support and issue resolution Collaboration with operations leadership to ensure defensible data and regulatory compliance Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related life science field (advanced degrees welcomed but not required) Experience working in an analytical testing laboratory Hands-on operation and maintenance experience with: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC Experience with method validation and laboratory troubleshooting Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and audits Experience supervising laboratory or technical staff Exceptional communication and customer service skills/Ability to explain complex scientific results Pay Range: $85,000 $105,000 + performance bonus eligible Benefits: Medical, Dental, PTO