Job Title

Job DescriptionViridian Staffing's () Client is looking for an experienced Laboratory Director for an Analytical Cannabis Testing Laboratory in Little Rock, Arkansas.Founded in 2013, Viridian Staffing () is the premier staffing, recruiting, and HR consulting firm solely dedicated to organizations in and supporting the commercial, medical, and industrial cannabis / hemp industry.In this role, you will oversee day-to-day analytical laboratory operations in a high-throughput commercial testing environment serving licensed cannabis operators. The laboratory is an established ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility with a strong market presence and an experienced team already in place, allowing you to focus on leadership, quality oversight, customer support, and continuous improvement rather than building processes from scratch. You will supervise laboratory staff across sample preparation and data review functions while ensuring defensible data and consistent turnaround times for approximately 1,500 samples per month.You will provide final data review and release for regulated testing and ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems, including audits, documentation control, deviation management, and CAPA processes. Using your hands-on analytical chemistry expertise, you will oversee calibration, qualification, validation, and maintenance of instrumentation including LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC platforms. You will also support LIMS/QMS administration and collaborate with operations leadership to maintain throughput efficiency and data integrity.This role requires a strong customer-service mindset, and you will serve as a technical resource to clients, responding quickly to inquiries and resolving technical issues. You will work closely with onsite leadership and operations management while mentoring an established technical team and fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture where leaders actively assist staff when needed.Key ResponsibilitiesDirect oversight of daily laboratory analytical operations and sample throughputFinal data review and release of regulated analytical testing resultsISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System oversight and complianceInternal and external audit preparation and accreditation maintenanceInstrument calibration, qualification, validation, and maintenanceMethod validation and technical troubleshooting (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC)LIMS and QMS administration (commercial laboratory environment)Continuous improvement of turnaround times and operational efficiencyStaff supervision, coaching, scheduling, and performance managementCustomer technical support and issue resolutionCollaboration with operations leadership to ensure defensible data and regulatory complianceRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related life science field (advanced degrees welcomed but not required)Experience working in an analytical testing laboratoryHands-on operation and maintenance experience with:LC-MS/MSGC-MSICP-MSHPLCExperience with method validation and laboratory troubleshootingWorking knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and auditsExperience supervising laboratory or technical staffExceptional communication and customer service skills/Ability to explain complex scientific resultsPreferred ExperienceCannabis, hemp, pharmaceutical, environmental, or regulated testing laboratory experienceISO/IEC 17025 accreditation audits (internal or external)Experience with Shimadzu instrumentation platformsExperience with laboratory informatics systems (LIMS/QMS; QBench a plus)Statistical analysis, data trending, and KPI reportingLaboratory automation, throughput optimization, or capacity planningTechnical & Professional SkillsAnalytical chemistry and instrumental analysisQuality systems, SOPs, CAPA, and deviation managementData integrity and defensible reportingLaboratory informatics systems (LIMS/QMS)Leadership, teamwork, and operational accountabilityStrong customer-service orientation and collaborative communication styleViridian Enterprises LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Viridian does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, Marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at recruiting at Pay Range: $85,000 - $105,000 + performance bonus eligibleBenefits: Medical, Dental, PTO