Our client, a financially strong, state-of-the-art analytical testing laboratory serving the cannabis sector, is seeking an accomplished Lab Director to join their leadership team in Brandon, Florida. This role will oversee the establishment, certification, and daily operations of a fast-growing cannabis and hemp testing facility. The Lab Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the lab’s structure, processes, and team while ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent
Location: Brandon, Florida
What You'll Do
- Lead the certification process with the Florida Department of Health, including development of SOPs, quality systems, methods, equipment selection, lab layout optimization, and key hires.
- Drive ISO certification and maintain compliance with GLP and other industry standards.
- Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Approve all reported data and QA/QC SOPs.
- Implement Lean and Six Sigma practices to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Provide deep technical guidance in methods such as LCMS, GC-MS, HPLC, ICP-AES/MS, PCR, and microbiological testing.
- Review, interpret, and validate analytical data included in client reports.
- Deliver exceptional client service by ensuring accuracy, responsiveness, and ownership of customer concerns.
- Manage the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), including identifying needs, recommending improvements, training staff, and safeguarding confidentiality.
- Track and present operational and business performance metrics for leadership reviews.
- Recruit, onboard, and develop laboratory staff; delegate responsibilities and set clear priorities.
- Champion training initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
- Keep current with industry trends, technical developments, and best practices.
- Maintain a strong culture of safety in all laboratory practices.
- Foster clear communication and team motivation across all levels.
- Handle additional duties as needed.
Requirements
- At least 3 years in a laboratory accredited under ISO, CAP, TNI, or a comparable framework.
- Experience with method development and validation, including LCMS, ICPMS, GCMS, HPLC.
- Experience working in a high-volume Cannabis Testing environment (60-150 samples at times with TAT of 2-3 days).
- Experience running a lab testing/production team (Lab Techs, Analysts, QA, and Microbiology).
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or related natural science.
- Advanced knowledge of laboratory principles, practices, techniques, and instrumentation.
- Eligible for the Florida Department of Health background clearance
- Hands-on expertise with HPLC, GC, ICP MS/MS, GC/MS/MS, and/or LC/MS/MS equipment.
- Familiarity with GLP, FDA, and ISO 17025 requirements and interactions with auditors/inspectors.
- Proven track record with Lean and Six Sigma methods.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong customer support orientation.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including hiring and supervising staff.
- Skilled in solving complex technical problems (e.g., using Design of Experiments).
Benefits
- Competitive base salary.
- Annual performance bonus.
- Profit-sharing program.
- Equity opportunities tied to results.
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision).
- Paid time off.
------------------------
At Talencore, we stand against racism and discriminatory practices. We stand against violence.
We proudly support and partner with organizations that lift people up so everyone can succeed and thrive, and honour our candidates' experiences, perspectives and unique identity.
We are committed to continuing to make diversity, equity, and inclusion part of everything we do – from how we work with our talented candidates to how we support our clients in building their diverse workforce.