Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President, Technical, the Production Lab Manager will be responsible for overseeing the start-up and operations of a newly established industrial microbiology and analytical lab. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in decision-making processes related to equipment selection, installation and validation, workflow design and optimization, while ensuring that all products meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial attitude and an initiative-taking work ethic. The individual will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient functioning of the lab, adherence to industry and regulatory standards, and the timely delivery of high-quality results to support Production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and aseptic techniques in the laboratory. Maintain a safe working environment for all lab personnel.
• Conduct sample preparation and product testing as required to support Production OSCOT.
• Supervise and mentor lab staff, providing guidance and support in their day-to-day activities. Facilitate training programs for lab personnel on equipment usage and aseptic techniques. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment among team members.
• Evaluate, select, procure, install, and validate relevant lab equipment.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop and implement efficient and compliant analytical and microbiological testing processes, protocols, and validations.
• Streamline workflows to maximize efficiency and productivity and minimize turnaround times while continuously assessing laboratory procedures for accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
• Assist in achieving ISO 17025 accreditation and continuously monitor industry standards and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Manage the Production laboratory budget and resources.
• Analyze experimental data and results, preparing comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders. Interpret analytical and microbiological findings, providing insights and recommendations based on the results.
• Consult as needed with other departments, such as Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service and/or Product Safety.

Required Skills and Experience:

• PhD preferred, bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field with appropriate experience accepted
• Have a proven track record with outstanding leadership skills and professionalism
• 5+ years of experience in a microbiology laboratory that conducts traditional microbiological testing, preferably in the consumer goods, food and beverage, or pharmaceutical industry
• In-depth knowledge of and experience using aseptic techniques in a traditional microbiological laboratory (e.g., culture media preparation, plating/inoculation, incubation, enumeration, and identification.)
• Familiarity with Biosafety levels, including demonstrating proficiency in standard microbiological practices and techniques for working with agents requiring BSL-2 containment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering a positive work environment.
• Experience with or willingness to learn how to operate analytical equipment such as HPLC, GC-FID, ICP-OES, and FT-IR.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality requirements for laboratories in the OTC and personal care fields.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and/or ERP software systems as well as all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task

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