Laboratory Manager - NJ

Role

Laboratory Manager (Analytical) – ISO 17025 Cannabis Testing LabUS Cannalytics – East Hanover, NJ (On-site)US Cannalytics is a multi-state, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited cannabis testing laboratory seeking a high-performing Laboratory Manager to lead our New Jersey analytical laboratory.This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a high-throughput, regulated environment and takes ownership of people, performance, and process. You will serve as the Laboratory Director's designee, with direct accountability for laboratory output, compliance, and team execution.Why This RoleThis is not an entry level or maintenance role - this is an opportunity to:

• Lead and shape a high-volume production laboratory
• Drive efficiency, turnaround time, and data quality
• Build and develop a high-performing analytical team
• Influence method development, validation, and operational strategy
• Be a key leader in a growing, multi-state organization
  
  

What You'll Own Laboratory Performance & Output

• Full accountability for daily production, turnaround times, and data quality
• Direct oversight of all analytical workflows across:
• HPLC
• GCMS
• LCMS
• ICPMS
  
  

Real-time decision-making to prioritize workload, allocate resources, and remove bottlenecksHands-on support at the bench when needed to keep production movingLeadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop a disciplined, high-performing analytical team
• Set clear expectations around accountability, pace, and quality
• Train, mentor, and elevate staff technical competency and performance
• Proactively address performance gaps with direct, constructive feedback
  
  

Quality, Compliance & Data Integrity

• Serve as Laboratory Director's Designee for:
• Data review and approval
• Quality control oversight
• Regulatory compliance
  
  

Ensure full adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, NJ regulations, and internal quality systemsLead internal audits, investigations, and root cause analysesMaintain a culture of data defensibility, audit readiness, and accountabilityOperational Excellence

• Continuously improve workflows to increase throughput, efficiency, and consistency
• Own laboratory scheduling, staffing alignment, and production planning
• Anticipate and prepare for audits, inspections, and volume surges
• Ensure seamless coordination across LIMS, reporting, and client deliverables
  
  

Instrumentation & Technical Oversight

• Ensure uptime, maintenance, and performance of all analytical instrumentation
• Lead troubleshooting, vendor coordination, and preventative maintenance
• Oversee method validation, verification studies, and technical improvements
• Drive technical rigor across sample prep, analysis, and data interpretation
  
  

Systems, Inventory & Infrastructure

• Oversee LIMS, documentation, and data management systems
• Ensure proper inventory control across reagents, CRMs, and samples
• Maintain compliance across waste handling, safety, and facility operations
  
  

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related hard science
• 4 years of analytical laboratory experience in a production environment
• 2 years leading laboratory teams with direct accountability for output
• Strong experience operating in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab
• Demonstrated expertise with:
• HPLC, GCMS, LCMS, ICPMS
• Data analysis, troubleshooting, and method execution
  
  

Proven Ability To

• Lead teams in high-throughput environments
• Drive operational efficiency and meet tight turnaround times
• Maintain strict quality and compliance standards
  
  

Strong judgment, accountability, and ability to make decisions under pressureThis is not an entry level role. Candidates must have demonstrated production laboratory management experience with direct responsibility for team oversight, workflow management, and performance outcomes.This role requires experience in a regulated, production laboratory environment with defined turnaround times and operational accountability. Academic or research-only backgrounds will not meet the requirements for this position.Strongly Preferred

• Cannabis, pharmaceutical, environmental, or food testing experience
• Experience with Agilent and/or Sciex platforms
• Experience with LIMS and seed-to-sale systems (e.g., METRC)
• Direct experience with method development, validation, and audit leadership
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000 base salary, compensation will be structured to align with demonstrated experience in ISO 17025 environments and leadership responsibility
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Full-time, exempt
  
  

Schedule

• Day shift (10-hour shifts typical)
• On-call responsibilities
• Weekend coverage as needed