Lab Supervisor

Universal Corporation•Lancaster Township, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise the analytical and microbiological laboratories and laboratory personnel while ensuring accurate, timely testing and reporting of raw materials, work-in-process products, finished products, and environmental samples. This role oversees daily laboratory operations, supports food safety and quality programs, and serves as the technical resource for laboratory testing, method development, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Able to perform a wide variety of laboratory tests on raw materials, finished products, or chemicals.
Able to make observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
Able to produce technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
Familiar with performing all laboratory procedures
Knowledge operating lab equipment.
Able to work alone.
Detail-oriented and able to maintain records of tests.
Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others.
Familiar with food safety and specifically SQF.
HPLC and GC work experience with pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or food products.
Familiar with FCC, USP, and AOAC Methodology
English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related scientific field.
5–10 years of laboratory experience in food, flavor, ingredient, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing industries.
Minimum 2–5 years of laboratory supervisory experience.
Experience with chromatographic instrumentation (HPLC, GC/FID, GC/MS).
Experience with food safety and quality systems, including SQF and GMP requirements.

Responsibilities

Supervise analytical and microbiological laboratory technicians.
Coordinate daily laboratory workload, testing priorities, and staffing assignments.
Provide training, coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities for laboratory personnel.
Conduct performance evaluations and participate in hiring, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
Lead daily laboratory meetings and communicate results, priorities, and issues.
Perform and oversee analytical and microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished goods, environmental samples, water samples, and air samples.
Review and approve laboratory results and maintain testing records.
Develop, verify, validate, and improve laboratory methods.
Conduct statistical analysis, trend analysis, shelf-life studies, and stability studies.
Investigate quality concerns, customer complaints, out-of-specification results, and foreign material findings.
Provide technical support for Root Cause Analyses and Corrective Actions.
Manage calibration, preventive maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment.
Maintain laboratory SOPs, testing methods, specifications, and documentation.
Administer the Chemical Hygiene Plan and laboratory safety programs.
Ensure laboratory compliance with GMPs, SQF requirements, food safety programs, and internal procedures.
Support internal, customer, and third-party audits as needed.
Assist Regulatory with technical documentation and customer requests.
Support R&D with new product development, validation studies, and troubleshooting.
Participate in food safety inspections and continuous improvement projects.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.