Job Description
Job Description
Lab Director
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Opportunity
Our client, a fast-growing organization in the botanical, nutraceutical, and natural products space, is seeking a Lab Director to lead their analytical and quality operations. This role will oversee testing and development of plant-based materials, extracts, and finished products, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
This is a leadership opportunity to build and optimize a laboratory supporting innovative, science-driven natural products.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all laboratory operations related to botanical raw materials, extracts, and finished products
- Oversee analytical testing, including identity, potency, purity, and contamination (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, microbiology)
- Ensure compliance with cGMP, FDA (dietary supplement), USP, AOAC, and other applicable standards
- Direct method development, validation, and transfer, particularly for complex plant matrices
- Implement and maintain robust quality systems, SOPs, and documentation practices
- Manage and mentor a team of scientists, analysts, and lab technicians
- Collaborate with R&D, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to support product development and scale-up
- Oversee third-party lab relationships and external testing as needed
- Lead audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions
- Drive continuous improvement in lab efficiency, turnaround time, and data integrity
Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacognosy, or related field
- 8–12+ years of experience in analytical laboratories, ideally within botanical, nutraceutical, or natural products industries
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing lab teams and operations
- Strong expertise in analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and botanical identification methods
- Experience with botanical authentication (e.g., microscopy, chromatography, DNA-based methods is a plus)
- Deep understanding of cGMP and dietary supplement regulations (21 CFR Part 111)
- Familiarity with USP monographs, AOAC methods, and industry standards for natural products
- Proven ability to manage complex matrices and variability inherent in plant-based materials
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
What Sets This Role Apart
- Opportunity to lead in a high-growth, natural products category with increasing market demand
- Direct impact on product quality, safety, and innovation
- Ability to build and scale lab infrastructure and capabilities
- Collaborative environment working across R&D, supply chain, and executive leadership