Technical Director

Company: Vangst
Location: Berkeley
Posted on: May 16, 2022

Job Description:

Full Job DescriptionThe Technical Director is the laboratory's lead analytical and technical resource, responsible for improving procedures and implementing new technologies to meet quality standards and client requirements, reducing costs, and maximizing operating efficiencies by effectively managing and developing available technology solutions. They will also improve efficiencies by minimizing downtime and maximizing instrument throughput and assisting the Group Leaders in training staff to operate new and existing analytical equipment.To perform this job successfully, individuals must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their duties and responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities - This role will be responsible for a full range of activities including:

• Method Development - understands methodology and instrumentation, including a software and hardware perspective, to make changes and improvements as needed. Demonstrate knowledge of different analytical columns, detectors, sample preparation, clean-up techniques, etc.
• Troubleshooting - Strong ability to diagnose the source of error at the bench; understanding how to optimize method parameters such as flow rates, gradients, solvent efficiency, chromatographic resolution, etc
• Method Validation - write validation plans, interpret and evaluate data, and write validation reports in a timely manner to meet deadlines collaborating with QA and Lab Management.
• Staff Development - provide technical and analytical training to analysts and technicians;
• Quality Assurance - Supervise and manage adherence to QA/QC, collaborate with lab management to develop and implement quality systems
• Hands-on expertise and thorough knowledge (beyond general preventative maintenance) of all instruments used in the laboratory.
• When necessary, prepare and analyze client samples, and review data, to meet production deadlines.
• Assign and clearly communicate technical priorities; coordinate employee schedules with lab management to balance production needs and development needs
• Allocate lab resources to meet client schedules & requirements; Provide expertise to lab management when recommending new equipment to purchase
• Act as manager when lab manager or lab director is out
• Projecting staffing needs: hiring and firing staff; Assist with employee performance reviews
• Act as the main point of contact, along with QA, during lab audits
• Other duties, as assigned by Laboratory Director
  Minimum QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, individuals must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their duties and responsibilities.
  • BA/BS in Chemistry or related Science required.
  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in a laboratory testing environment
  • In-depth understanding of at least two of the following: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, LC-DAD, GC-FID
  • The Technical Director must meet the requirements of the accrediting body(ies) of the laboratory
  • Strong scientific writing and presentation skills
  • Analytical thinking to solve technical problems
  • Contract Research Organization (CRO) experience or background a plus
  • Scientific expertise or background in cannabis containing products is a plus
  • A Master's or Ph.D. degree is a plus.
    Preferred Skills
    • Superior time management skills
    • Respectful and effective communication skills - ensure positive interactions with the team to build professional relationships;
    • Effective training - teach complex topics to team members of varying scientific backgrounds and ensure their proficiency
    • Conflict resolution: Removes/Breakdown organizational communication or operational barriers
    • Assertion Skills: Sets expectations, provides regular feedback, and creates a positive work environment.
    • Management behavior shows serious thought and reliable actions; leads with integrity and honesty
    • Team player - Cooperative and collaborative, focused on the outcome of the group as a whole;
    • Takes responsibility, diagnoses problems assesses corrective action and does not shift blame
    • Flexible - able to shift priorities on short notice
      The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees so classified.

Keywords: Vangst, Berkeley , Technical Director, IT / Software / Systems , Berkeley, California