Analytical Lab Manager

Merle Norman Cosmetics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Merle Norman Cosmetics is seeking an Analytical Laboratory Manager to oversee Quality Control and laboratory operations for cosmetic and OTC drug products. This role ensures analytical testing, method validation, stability programs and data integrity align with FDA regulations, cGMPs, USP requirements, and internal quality standards.

The position manages laboratory personnel, equipment, and investigations while supporting product release and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.
• 5-8+ years experience in QC analytical testing within cosmetics, OTC drugs or pharmaceuticals.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial laboratory role.
• Direct experience with FDA inspections and regulatory audits.
• Strong knowledge of USP methods, OTC monographs, and cosmetic testing requirements.
• Hands-on experience with chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
• Experience with stability studies, OOS investigations and method validation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day QC analytical laboratory operations for raw materials, in-process, finished goods and stability samples.
• Ensure timely and compliant testing to support batch release for cosmetic and OTC drug products.
• Establish and maintain laboratory procedures, test methods and specifications.
• Support FDA inspections, audits and regulatory inquiries.
• Initiate and manage laboratory investigations, CAPAs, and data integrity practices.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

GC

UV-Vis

SYSPRO

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Analytical Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing Quality Control.

Laboratory operations supporting cosmetic and OTC drug products. This role ensures all analytical testing, method validation, stability programs and data integrity practices comply with FDA regulations, cGMPs, USP requirements, and internal quality standards. The position manages laboratory personnel, equipment, and investigations while supporting product release and regulatory readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Laboratory Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of the QC analytical laboratory for raw materials, in-process, finished goods, and stability samples.


• Ensure timely and compliant testing to support batch release for cosmetic and OTC drug products.


• Establish and maintain laboratory procedures, test methods and specifications.

Regulatory Compliance

• With Quality Assurance/Regulatory guidance, ensure laboratory compliance with:


• 21 CFR 210/211 (OTC drugs)


• 21 CFR 700 (cosmetics)


• USP/NF, ISO 22716 and internal SOPs


• Support FDA inspections, audits and regulatory inquiries.


• Initiate laboratory investigations, OOS, deviations and CAPAs.

Method Management

• Oversee method validation, verification and transfer for chemical and physical tests (e.g. assay, impurities, ph, viscosity, preservative content)


• Maintain analytical method lifecycle documentation.

Stability

• Manage stability programs for OTC products, including protocol generation, data review and expiry dating support.


• Support shelf life extensions with scientific justification where applicable.

Equipment & Systems

• Ensure qualification, calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments (HPLC, UPLC, GC, UV-Vis, balances, etc.)


• Oversee laboratory systems (Access databases and SYSPRO - ERP)


• Ensure proper handling of reference standards and reagents.

People Management

• Supervise, train and mentor QC analysts and technicians.


• Ensure staff are trained in cGMPs, safety and laboratory procedures.


• Conduct performance reviews and support professional development.

Documentation and Data Integrity

• Review and approve laboratory notebooks, worksheets, electronic data, and reports.


• Participate in SOP authoring and periodic review.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.

EXPERIENCE

• 5-8+ years experience in QC analytical testing within cosmetics, OTC drugs or pharmaceuticals.


• 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial laboratory role.


• Direct experience with FDA inspections and regulatory audits.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of USP methods, OTC monographs, and cosmetic testing requirements.


• Hands-on experience with chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.


• Experience with stability studies, OOS investigations and method validation.