Lab Director Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Laboratory Director to lead day-to-day operations of our food testing analytical laboratory.

Edacious is transforming how the world measures, verifies, and communicates food quality.Across the food system, producers and brands are asked to prove the value of their work. But for too long, the data needed to do that has been fragmented, inaccessible, or too complex to use. Edacious is the leading platform for trust and transparency in food. Through lab testing and nutrition software, Edacious helps producers and brands verify nutrient density and safety, benchmark product quality, and turn results into regulatory-aligned claims and market-ready assets. When quality becomes measurable, communication becomes honest. When data is translated clearly, decisions become stronger. And when evidence replaces assumptions, a healthier, more transparent food system becomes possible.We’re a diverse team of scientists, engineers, designers, and systems-thinkers who are excited to teach and learn from each other every day. We’re looking for teammates who are passionate about food, the food system, and human or environmental health.

The Role

We are looking for a Laboratory Director to lead day-to-day operations of our food testing analytical laboratory. This is a hands-on leadership role for a scientist who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for managing a team of analysts, maintaining our ISO 17025 accreditation, driving method development, and ensuring consistent high-quality sample throughput.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage a team of analysts across multiple analytical disciplines and methods, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, carotenoids, macronutrients, and phytochemicals
• Oversee daily lab operations including sample scheduling, instrument maintenance, troubleshooting and quality control
• Maintain and build upon ISO 17025 accreditation, including internal audits, corrective actions, proficiency testing, and document control
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods across a range of food and beverage matrices, including extraction optimization for complex matrices such as high-fat, high-fiber, high-protein, and pigment-rich samples
• Manage sample preparation and extraction workflows across diverse food types — troubleshooting challenges with saponification, enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and protein precipitation as they arise
• Review and approve certificates of analysis and analytical reports before client delivery
• Work closely with the commercial team to ensure customer commitments are met and turnaround time targets are maintained
• Identify and implement operational improvements to increase laboratory efficiency and data quality
• Train, hire and mentor a team of lab technicians, chemists and scientists.

What We’re Looking For

• BSc or MSc in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a food or nutritional testing laboratory, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role
• Deep hands‑on experience with sample preparation and extraction across complex food matrices, including saponification, enzymatic hydrolysis, acid/alkaline hydrolysis, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑phase extraction, and protein precipitation
• Strong working knowledge of analytical instrumentation including HPLC, LC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS, GC, and related platforms, including method development, optimisation, and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated experience developing and validating quantitative methods
• Solid understanding of how matrix composition affects analyte recovery, method performance, and calibration strategy, including fat interference, protein binding effects, pigment co‑extraction, and matrix‑matched calibration approaches
• Direct experience with ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements and quality management systems
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Meticulous attention to detail across all aspects of analytical work, from sample preparation and instrument parameters to data review and report accuracy with the ability to engage confidently with technology platforms and collaborate with software and product teams to translate raw analytical data into reliable, well‑structured outputs
• A practical, solutions‑oriented mindset, you fix problems, you don’t just flag them
• Experience in a startup or high‑growth environment

Compensation

• Base salary: $130,000 to $155,000, depending on experience
• Equity: Opportunity for equity participation aligned to impact, seniority, and results
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, caregiver leave, 401K match and flexible PTO.

Job is based in Marlborough, MA and it is expected that you will be present five days per week at the laboratory. Candidates will need a driver's license and must undergo a background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. This job requires a permanent work visa for employment in the U.S.