PFAS Laboratory Technical Manager

Job Description

SanAir is always looking for opportunities to expand our services in adjacent verticals to meet our clients’ needs. We are searching for a Laboratory Technical Manager who can help build a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing division for water and soil from the ground up through accreditation, and beyond. This position also would oversee and be responsible for the laboratory testing of our cannabis testing division, Sativa Testing Labs.

Our ideal candidate is a positive, team-oriented "doer” with a strong background in analytical chemistry, cannabis experience, and excellent organizational and communications skills. The ability to manage processes and individuals, work independently to meet time-bound goals, and be self-directed are key attributes. Knowing how to under promise and overdeliver, and ask for help when needed, would be welcomed approaches to the task at hand.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Must have a Masters level degree in chemical or biological sciences and a minimum of two years of post-degree laboratory experience OR a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a chemical / biological science and four years of documented experience in an analytical laboratory using and maintaining analytical instruments (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS). A background in Chemistry is preferred.

Relevant industry related experience in medical cannabis or lab benchwork is a plus.

AIHA LAP preferred, ISO 17025:2017 mandatory.

Must have two years’ experience working in an accredited PFAS laboratory and knowledge of EPA requirements and regulations. Must have a minimum of one year of experience with ICP-MS (metals) in a commercial or government laboratory setting.

Experience with Shimadzu software/instrumentation is preferred but not mandatory.

Experience with QBench LIMS is preferred but not mandatory.

Cannabis analysis experience and knowledge of AIHA LAP, LLC, DEA, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, and EPA requirements and regulations related to pesticides and residual solvents testing is preferred. Experience performing metals analysis in food, soil, or water is a bonus.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• Full-time
• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

This position may sometimes require long hours and some weekend work, particularly while trying to establish PFAS testing.

TRAVEL

No travel is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Per state law, must be at least 21 years of age.

Must successfully complete a comprehensive background check.

Must have successful training, either in-house or certified, in specific methodologies used in the laboratory. You must possess strong written and oral communication skills.

Oversees completion of proficiency testing, demonstrations of capability, annual control charts, method detection limit studies, quarterly reports and management reviews.

Monitors QA/QC acceptance criteria for sample results and instrument calibrations per method SOPs.

Ensures integrity and reliability of data generated by the laboratory.

Evaluates equipment and software capability per ISO 17025:2017.

Acts impartially, ethically and with integrity at all times.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Write, review and approve analytical methods, protocols, procedures, reports, COAs and other documents.
• Conduct validation of analytical methods.
• Monitor QA/QC acceptance criteria for sample results and instrument calibrations per method SOPs equipment and cleaning – GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC and ICP-MS.
• Independently perform analyses including sample preparation, instrument operation and results reporting. Reviews, authorizes and reports all completed jobs.
• Maintain all instrumentation under a “calibrated” well documented state to provide accurate results.
• Lead responses to regular proficiency tests, audits or other assessments required to maintain certifications and licenses.
• Assists in all technical, administrative, and day to day operations of the laboratory to ensure the quality of work performed, as well as the quality of the work environment.
• Responsible for, or assists with, personnel decisions including but not limited to hiring, employee evaluations, promotions and scheduling of operational staff.
• Responsible for signing off on training of new employees and current employees for operational modifications or updates.
• Ensures daily operational staff follow written policies, procedures, customer requirements, EPA methods, and certification standards.
• Assures employee compliance with all SOPs and in-house policies.
• Responsible for revising SOPs, and updating analyses, instrumentation, and methodologies.
• Responsible for implementing, reviewing, and authorizing Corrective Action Reports, Nonconformance Reports, and Risk Awareness Plans.
• Completes analysis of results. Reviews, authorizes, and reports all completed jobs. Also has the capability to analyze samples and sign as an analyst.
• Reviews customer surveys and internal audits conducted by Quality Assurance Manager.
• Develops, modifies, verifies and validates methods.
• Provide customer service over the phone or on-site for clients or potential customers in a professional, service-oriented manner when additional information or explanation of results is needed. Stay up to date on EPA's PFAS methods (Changing LOQ requirements for the methods)
• Stay abreast of industry developments and provide holding company management periodic evaluation of our position in the industry vis a vis the competition.
• Other duties as assigned.

Testing operations include, but are not limited to the following analyses:

• PFAS in potable water, groundwater and soil
• Pesticide residues (GC-MS)
• Residual solvents (HS-GC-FID)
• Potency of cannabinoids (HPLC)
• Potency of terpenes (GC)
• Metals testing (ICP-MS)

Company Description

SanAir Technologies Laboratory, Inc. is a diversified environmental and wellness testing laboratory holding company. We are committed to providing a high standard of performance and service, reliable quality, and maintaining well-balanced working relationships with all our clients. Our combined laboratories represent a total of approximately 70 employees in Virginia, Ohio and New York.

Based in Richmond, Virginia, SanAir Technologies Laboratory, Inc.’s specialties have grown to include analytical and consulting services to detect and identify asbestos, lead and metals, environmental microbiology, bacteria, Legionella and other environmental hazards. SanAir’s clientele includes industrial hygienists, engineers, governments, and restoration and remediation contractors. SanAir’s holdings also include Sativa Testing Laboratories, the first fully ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited under AIHA-LAP, LLC (LAP-273461), DEA registered industrial hemp and medical marijuana testing laboratory in Virginia and Syracuse-based Centek, which provides laboratory analysis for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Soil Vapor Intrusion, Industrial Hygiene (IH) – PV2120 and Renewable Energy – Methane to Markets, among others.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays (annual leave increases with years of experience)
• Annual profit sharing
• Employer funded Health Saving Account
• Medical, Dental, 401(k) and 401k matching, Voluntary Benefits, Disability, Vision, Life Insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Equal opportunity employer
• Tuition Assistance