Analytical Laboratory SupervisorDepartment: Lab
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Summerville, SC
The
Analytical Laboratory Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of Thorne's Analytical Laboratory, ensuring testing activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable quality and regulatory standards. This role leads laboratory personnel, manages daily workflows, and supports the timely delivery of accurate analytical results that are critical to product quality, manufacturing operations, and regulatory compliance.
Working closely with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and other cross-functional teams, the Analytical Laboratory Supervisor ensures laboratory operations adhere to Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), ISO 17025 requirements, and Thorne's Hazardous Material Safety Program. The ideal candidate is a hands-on laboratory leader with strong technical expertise, sound leadership skills, and a commitment to data integrity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
This is a Weekend Night shift position.RESPONSIBILITIESAnalytical Lab Supervisor I:
- Supervise the daily operations of the Analytical Laboratory, ensuring testing activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established priorities and quality standards.
- Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel by providing ongoing training in analytical methods, laboratory procedures, GLP, cGMP, safety requirements, and applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Oversee laboratory workflows, including routine testing, stability studies, retained samples, documentation, and workload management to support manufacturing and business objectives.
- Review analytical data, laboratory documentation, specifications, validation protocols, stability protocols, investigation reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead investigations of Out-of-Specification (OOS) and atypical laboratory results, partnering with cross-functional teams to perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
- Partner with the QC Data team to resolve testing issues, ensure laboratory data integrity, and maintain compliant laboratory documentation.
- Oversee routine maintenance, calibration, and qualification activities for laboratory instrumentation and supporting software.
- Maintain the Analytical Laboratory in an inspection-ready state by ensuring compliance with GLP, cGMP, ISO 17025, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support the Quality Control Laboratory Manager in maintaining the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS), participating in management reviews, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure laboratory personnel understand their responsibilities while fostering a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels of laboratory standards, reagents, consumables, and supplies to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Ensure laboratory activities are performed with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and compliance with laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, analytical methods, and operational efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement.
- Conduct formal and informal performance discussions, provide ongoing coaching, and support employee growth and development.
- Collaborate effectively with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, and other cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives.
WHAT YOU NEEDEducation and Experience - Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline required, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in college-level chemistry.
- Experience in an analytical laboratory within a cGMP-regulated environment.
- Hands-on experience with at least two of the following analytical techniques:
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy
- Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in an analytical laboratory is preferred.
- Experience supporting laboratory investigations, method validation, stability testing, and quality systems is preferred.
Technical Knowledge - Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), ISO 17025, and laboratory quality systems.
- Experience reviewing analytical data, laboratory documentation, validation protocols, stability studies, specifications, and investigation reports.
- Working knowledge of Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations, root cause analysis, data integrity principles, and laboratory documentation requirements.
- Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and qualification activities.
- Ability to interpret scientific data, technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements to support sound technical decision-making.
Core Competencies - Proven leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, mentor, and develop high-performing laboratory teams.
- Experience managing laboratory workloads, prioritizing testing activities, and delegating assignments to meet business objectives and turnaround times.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience leading investigations, identifying root causes, and implementing effective corrective actions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve laboratory processes, and drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with laboratory staff, cross-functional partners, executive leadership, and regulatory auditors.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance and laboratory efficiency.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong partnerships across Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and Product Development.
- High attention to detail with an unwavering commitment to laboratory quality, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and making timely, risk-based decisions.
Physical DemandsThe physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Ability to safely work with ingredients and products derived from common allergens, including nuts, soy, dairy, fish, and shellfish.
- Ability to work safely around laboratory chemicals, including acids, solvents, fumes, and airborne particulates while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including laboratory coats, safety glasses, and gloves.
- Ability to operate analytical laboratory instrumentation and equipment safely and accurately.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position and move throughout laboratory and manufacturing environments during scheduled shifts.
- Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, climb a stepladder, and perform routine laboratory activities.
- Ability to communicate effectively, read technical documentation and small print, and work in a low- to moderate-noise laboratory environment.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
Leadership Expectations- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Lead by example, promoting Thorne's mission, values, and commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence.
- Coach and develop team members through regular feedback, mentoring, and performance management while building a high-performing, engaged laboratory team.
- Communicate openly and effectively, encouraging collaboration, transparency, and sound decision-making across cross-functional teams.
- Drive results by setting clear expectations, holding teams accountable, and continuously seeking opportunities to improve laboratory performance and customer outcomes.
WHAT WE OFFER- Competitive compensation
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees
- Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
- Company- paid life insurance
- 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
- Gym membership reimbursement
- Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements
- Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave
- Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
