Lab Director

Lab DirectorCompany Overview: Kaycha Group, Inc is a leading provider of innovative Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods. We perform product testing to help ensure compliance with county and federal regulations. We provide comprehensive cannabis testing for potency, homogeneity, heavy metals, microbial contamination, mycotoxins, residual solvents, terpenes, and pesticides.Job Purpose: The Lab Director is responsible for the planning and operational performance of the assigned laboratory. This role oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures compliance standards for quality and safety. The Lab Director is accountable for knowing and following all Company policies and standards, leads by example, and lives our values while supporting our rapid organizational growth.Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Lead the team with dynamic leadership that promotes an environment of support, development, engagement, and high productivity. This includes, but is not limited to, hiring, coaching, performance management, ensuring productivity, disciplinary action, cross-training, rewards and recognition, and succession planning. Ensure the financial health of the laboratory. This includes managing expenses related to all operational activities, such as equipment, labor, and supplies and monitoring laboratory performance by measuring, monitoring, and managing to company KPI targets. Manage lab operations, including production, process evaluation, and monitoring. Ensure compliance with laboratory policies and procedures, county regulations, and ISO-17025 quality management system. Drive a strong customer service culture while adhering to the highest ethical and safety standards. Maintain analytical equipment (i.e. HPLC, GC-MSMS, LCMSMS, ICP-MS, qPCR analytical balances, autoclave, centrifuge, biological safety cabinets, fume hoods, etc.). Monitor and manage facilities. Partner with the Quality Assurance Team to assure method and SOP compliance. Evaluate both OOS and CAPA reports with the Senior Executive Team and Quality department. Build strong internal, external, and cross-functional relationships. Drive a continuous improvement culture. Other duties and special projects as assigned.Skills, Abilities and Competencies: Strong understanding of standard laboratory protocol and experience working with cannabis laboratory analytical equipment (i.e. HPLC, GC-MSMS, LCMSMS, ICP-MS) Track record in accelerating the performance of laboratory groups. Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, influence, problem solve, and communicate with all levels of the organization. Exceptional analytical skills with effective judgment and decision-making capabilities. Ability to execute on an operating plan and ensure business priorities are met. Ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic, fast-paced deadline environment and maintain composure during challenging and/or complex situations Ability to maintain high degree of attention to detail and accuracy. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Travel when requested, including overnight travel.Education & Experience: Minimum BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering or Environmental Sciences required. Advanced degree preferred. 8+ years of relevant laboratory operations and leadership experience. Advanced knowledge of principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation commonly used in a laboratory setting required. Exposure to the cannabis industry desired.Other: Must pass Level 2 background check. Kaycha Labs offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and time off. Kaycha Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.Essential Functions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that an worker must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the worker is frequently required to stand, handle or feel, to speak, and to hear. The worker is occasionally required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The worker must frequently lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close (proximity) vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Work Environment: The work environment described here is representative of that which an worker may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The standard analytical laboratory environment is one in which potential health hazards do exist. Administrative, operations, technical, and professional staff are expected to safely operate in accordance with applicable and appropriate health and safety policies and procedures, as prescribed by the applicable Kaycha manuals and policies and/or federal, county, or local standards. Laboratory staff can be expected to work in areas where hazards associated are with, but not limited to, airborne pathogens. Biological materials, hazardous substances, and radioactive material exist and are handled. Appropriate training is provided regarding these hazards and staff are expected to adhere to all health and safety policies at all times, whether they are in writing or verbalized by a supervisor. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.