Analysis Skills, Biology, Chemistry, Continuous Improvement, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Quality, Dental Insurance, Documentation, High Throughput, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Identify Issues, Instrumentation, Internal Audit, International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC), Inventory Management, Laboratory, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Management, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Operational Strategy, Performance Analysis, Preventative Maintenance, Production Planning, Production Systems, Production Volume, Quality Management, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Root Cause Analysis, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Test Lab, Validation Testing, Vision Plan
Laboratory Manager (Analytical) - ISO 17025 Cannabis Testing Lab
US 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 Role
This 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:
Real-time decision-making to prioritize workload, allocate resources, and remove bottlenecks
Hands-on support at the bench when needed to keep production moving
Leadership & 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:
Ensure full adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, NJ regulations, and internal quality systems
Lead internal audits, investigations, and root cause analyses
Maintain a culture of data defensibility, audit readiness, and accountability
Operational 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:
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 pressure
This 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 (Commensurate with experience), 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