POSITION SUMMARY:
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Quality Laboratory Programs Lead with a background in analytical chemistry and microbiology to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, substantial experience in LIMS development, and a deep background in analytical laboratory testing and methodologies.
Quality Laboratory Programs Lead is responsible for the global ownership, optimization, and continuous improvement of laboratory quality systems, with primary emphasis on the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS • LabVantage) and internal proficiency testing programs. This role serves as the central authority for LIMS implementation, automation, reporting, and system integration across all Quality Control laboratories. In addition, the role designs, implements, and maintains a comprehensive internal proficiency testing program to verify and improve the technical competence of laboratory personnel and third-party testing partners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Serve as the global system owner for the LabVantage LIMS system.
- Lead and coordinate LIMS implementation and rollout for all Balchem Quality laboratories, including system setup and training site-specific 'super-users•
- Develop advanced reporting, dashboards, and KPI tracking within LIMS, including but not limited to sample and result turnaround time, late or overdue samples, method performance and compliance metrics.
- Drive automation of laboratory workflows, result notifications, and routine reporting to minimize manual intervention.
- Maintain and support ongoing LIMS configuration, user access, master data, and system maintenance activities.
- Act as the primary interface with LabVantage vendors and support teams, including coordination of upgrades, patches, issue resolution, and system improvements.
- Ensure appropriate digital data flow and integration between LIMS and other enterprise systems (e.g., quality systems, ERP, PowerBI).
- Partner with site Quality, IT, and Global Quality leaders to support data integrity, compliance, and scalable system design.
- Design, implement, and manage a global internal proficiency testing (PT) program for all laboratory personnel
- Ensure PT coverage for all analytical and microbiological methods routinely performed by each technician or analyst.
- Establish standardized PT schedules, acceptance criteria, evaluation methods, and documentation practices.
- Review and trend PT results to identify performance gaps, method risks, and training needs.
- Collaborate with the Global Quality team to initiate and track Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) related to PT performance.
- /Support expansion of the internal proficiency testing program to include approved third-party laboratories, ensuring alignment with internal expectations and accreditation requirements.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Quality Systems, Chemistry, Food Science, or related field
- Minimum 5 years experience with use of LIMS systems, with preferable experience of administering LIMS platforms
- Strong working understanding of laboratory operations, analytical workflows, and data integrity principles
- Experience designing or supporting proficiency testing, competency assessment, or analyst qualification programs
- Excellent communication and project management abilities
- Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for proficiency testing, records and data management
- Excellent communication, project management and data analysis skill
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed (5-10%)
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