Supervisor Analytical Chemist (Cannabis Testing Lab) in Pasadena, California at Encore Labs LLC

Job Overview: Department Supervisor_ Potency (Cannabis Testing)

The Department Supervisor- Potency is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the potency testing department, including sample preparation, instrument operation, data review, staff training, and workflow management. This role will lead Laboratory Analysts, Laboratory Technicians, and Laboratory Assistants in the preparation and analysis of cannabis and cannabis product samples for cannabinoid potency testing using HPLC and/or UPLC instrumentation.
The Department Supervisor-Potency will ensure that all testing is performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with internal SOPs, quality system requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. They also serve as the Lead Analytical Chemist within the Potency Department. This position requires strong technical knowledge of potency testing, sample extraction, dilution techniques, instrument calibration, data interpretation, and routine instrument maintenance.
This role will also support method development, method maintenance, troubleshooting, quality control review, and continuous improvement of laboratory processes. Cross-training on additional analytical methods, including LCMS, GCMS, ICP-MS, and other cannabis testing platforms, may be required based on laboratory needs.

General Duties

Analytical Chemist
• Oversee daily potency testing workflow to ensure samples are prepared, analyzed, reviewed, and reported accurately and within required turnaround times.
• Perform and/or oversee sample preparation for cannabis flower, concentrates, infused products, edibles, beverages, and other cannabis matrices.
• Operate HPLC/UPLC instrumentation for cannabinoid potency analysis.
• Prepare standards, reagents, mobile phases, calibration curves, and quality control samples in accordance with SOPs.
• Review analytical data, chromatograms, calibration curves, QC results, and sample results for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, sample preparation issues, failed QC, carryover, integration concerns, and other analytical problems.
• Assist with routine instrument calibration, preventative maintenance, and coordination of service or repairs when needed.
• Support method development, method validation, method verification, and ongoing method maintenance for potency testing.
• Ensure all laboratory work is documented accurately and completed in accordance with SOPs, quality assurance requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Assist with inventory management for potency-related supplies, standards, reagents, solvents, consumables, and reference materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory work environment.
• Partner with management and Quality Assurance to support investigations, address nonconformances, implement corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with general laboratory duties as needed, including sample status checks, waste management, glassware cleaning, administrative tasks, and cross-functional laboratory support.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to Potency Analysts, Laboratory Technicians, and Laboratory Assistants.
• Set clear expectations for team members regarding productivity, quality, documentation, communication, safety, and compliance.
• Assign tasks, prioritize workloads, assist with scheduling, and help ensure department goals and deadlines are met.
• Train, coach, and develop staff on potency sample preparation, HPLC/UPLC operation, data review, laboratory safety, SOPs, and quality system requirements.
• Monitor staff performance and provide regular feedback to support accountability, continued growth, and technical competencies.
• Identify training needs and work with laboratory leadership to ensure employees are properly trained and qualified for assigned responsibilities.
• Support cross-training initiatives to improve team flexibility, coverage, and efficiency across laboratory workflows.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative team environment.
• Lead by example by demonstrating strong attention to detail, sound judgment, accountability, professionalism, and adherence to laboratory procedures.
• Encourage staff development through problem-solving, independence, skill-building, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate department priorities, expectations, updates, and concerns clearly to both staff and laboratory management.

Qualifications
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field preferred.
• Prior experience in a cannabis testing laboratory, analytical laboratory, or regulated laboratory environment preferred.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC, UPLC, or similar chromatography instrumentation required.
• Experience with cannabinoid potency testing, sample extraction, dilution, and chromatographic data review strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory, lead analyst, or team training experience preferred.
• Experience with method development, method validation, troubleshooting, and instrument maintenance preferred.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality systems, documentation practices, QC requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and communication skills.
Benefits/Compensation
• Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Pet Insurance
• Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
Physical Setting
• Laboratory
Schedule
• Monday to Friday- 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Work Location
• One location: Pasadena CA
Work Remotely
• No
Encore Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status or disability.