Analytical Lab Director

Quicksilver Scientific, Inc•Louisville, CO

5d•$150,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Quicksilver Scientific is seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Analytical Lab Director to lead laboratory operations in Louisville, Colorado. The role directs day-to-day laboratory operations, staff, scheduling, method development, compliance, instrumentation, and testing in support of production, research and development, and manufacturing. The director also expands in-house analytical testing for supplements and clinical testing, and coordinates with the laboratory director and founder on laboratory progress, issues, and needs. The position oversees analytical testing of biological samples, including plasma and whole blood uptake of new QS products, and in-house potency analysis of QS products. It is responsible for developing and maintaining SOPs, training staff on potency testing methods, finalizing potency reports, maintaining instrumentation, and ensuring the laboratory meets applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including CLIA and A2LA. The role collaborates with manufacturing, HR, and third-party testing laboratories. The position offers a base salary of $150,000–$160,000 per year and annual performance-based bonuses. Quicksilver Scientific describes its mission as transforming health through science and innovation and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

At least 10 years of relevant analytical chemistry management and leadership experience.
Ph.D. in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical lab science.
Board certification by an approved certifying body, such as ABB, ABCC, ABMM, or ABMGG.
Considerable knowledge of laboratory apparatus and equipment, including the ability to help troubleshoot technical problems.
Instrumentation proficiency with HPLC-DAD, HPLC-RID, GC-MS, LC-MS-MS, ICP-MS, and MTT.
Considerable knowledge of laboratory methods, materials, and techniques.
Exceptional communication skills, including cross-functional team leadership and the ability to collaborate closely with others.
Ability to work independently, adapt to change, and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to problem-solve and make decisions on complex issues, often in a cross-functional team setting.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local standards, regulations, guidelines, and requirements affecting clinical reference laboratory operations.
Must meet CLIA requirements for a laboratory director in a high-complexity laboratory.
Proficiency with MS Office and laboratory data systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the nutritional or pharmaceutical industries.

Responsibilities

Direct day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure the smooth flow of samples and testing.
Lead, mentor, and support professional development for analytical laboratory staff.
Manage staff, including approving PTO requests, taking progressive disciplinary actions, coaching employees, and conducting performance reviews.
Work with HR on recruitment, interviewing prospective hires, and training new hires.
Develop, implement, and refine policies and procedures to improve laboratory efficiency and compliance.
Ensure laboratory staffing schedules meet production schedules; coordinate testing responsibilities and adjust schedules as workflow and business needs permit.
Help team members resolve analytical challenges and troubleshoot technical issues.
Develop in-house methods and develop and maintain all SOPs.
Develop methods and analyze biological samples for plasma and whole blood uptake of new QS products.
Prepare management reviews and summaries, risk assessments, deficiency reports, and non-conformance reports.
Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and safety requirements; stay current on requirements such as CLIA and FDA regulations.
Obtain and maintain accreditation from accrediting bodies, including CLIA and A2LA.
Perform in-house potency analysis of QS products, coordinate testing needs with manufacturing, and consult with third-party testing laboratories.
Expand in-house analytical testing for supplements and in-house clinical testing.
Train staff on in-house potency testing methods and finalize potency reports.
Run tests as needed to support R&D and manufacturing problem-solving.
Curate and purchase new analytical instruments.
Maintain instrumentation, perform repairs, and coordinate third-party repairs as needed.
Use basic laboratory and wet-chemistry skills.
Coordinate with and inform the laboratory director and founder about laboratory progress, issues, and needs.