Rene Schalk
Laboratory Director
Toledo,OH
Summary
Accomplished Laboratory Director at Green Analytics Labs, proficient in optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring scientific integrity. Led process enhancements, resulting in cost reductions while maintaining compliance with ISO 17025:2017 standards. Demonstrated expertise in staff development and analytical thinking, successfully processing up to 1000 compliance samples per week. Exhibited exceptional problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Laboratory Director
Green Analytics OH
08.2024 - Current
- Led the full build-out and operational launch of the Green Analytics OH cannabis testing laboratory, including facility redesign, workflow optimization, and staffing.
- Hired, trained, and developed the laboratory team, establishing a strong culture, maintaining a >95% staff retention rate.
- Authored/Optimized key SOPs, supervised the validation of analytical methods, and adjusted Green Analytics' quality system to Ohio's operation that supported ISO-17025 accreditation within the first year.
- Passed all regulatory inspections (two state inspections and a voluntary OSHA audit) with no critical findings.
- Drove the digital transformation of lab operations, implementing QBench LIMS and achieving >95% process digitization to improve traceability and audit readiness.
- Oversaw instrument performance, compliance, and daily operations, ensuring high throughput across all testing performed at Green Analytics OH.
- Maintained consistent turnaround times of 3 days or less for compliant samples since launch, supporting client satisfaction and operational reliability.
Laboratory Director
Kaycha Labs
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing and streamlining processes without impacting scientific integrity.
- Optimized staffing and workflow to reduce operational cost.
- Processed 500-1000 compliance samples weekly with a 2-4 day TAT.
- Oversaw the hiring, training, and supervision of laboratory staff to create an effective team environment.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new employees, resulting in a more skilled workforce.
- Improved safety protocols for increased staff protection and reduced incidents.
- Kept laboratory in line with facility and regulatory compliance (both state and ISO 17025:2017) requirements.
- Validated and Verified all methods according to rigorous internal requirements following elements of FDA, EPA and AOAC's SMPR's.
- Provided technical customer service to all clients, including METRC-related issues and questions related to analytical testing.
National Quality Manager
Kaycha Labs
6 2021 - 06.2024
- Initiated and supervised the systematic development, implementation, and management of processes, ensuring products consistently aligned with stringent quality, functionality, and reliability criteria.
- Managed improvements of technical procedures, ensuring congruence with ISO regulations, state regulations, and Kaycha's QA Manual.
- Overhauled several quality-related metrics and processes, including method validation and verification, employee training and measurement of uncertainty procedures.
- Administered adherence to compliance standards across all states of Kaycha operation through surveillance of ISO 17025:2017 audits, state assessments, internal audits, and proficiency testing.
- Directed the systematic enhancement of the Quality Management System, integrating innovations into critical platforms such as Kaycha’s Document Management System (PowerDMS) and LIMS.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary engagements with the Operations Team to refine laboratory efficacy without sacrificing quality standards.
- Chaired periodic assemblies with cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with overarching corporate goals and quality standards.
Compliance Coordinator
Kaycha Labs
12.2020 - 06.2021
- Responsible for various compliance-related tasks, such as CAPAs, reviewing SOP's for their accuracy based on submitted Method Validations to ISO/State of Florida.
- Actively involved in development and troubleshooting of Kaycha's own proprietary LIMS system from a technical compliance and quality perspective.
- Gained extensive knowledge about state and ISO 17025:2017 requirements. Ability to thoroughly analyze and identify important segments in any regulatory environment.
- Participated in internal audits
- Aided customers in formulation of their final products based on variables such as densities, homogeneity of their initial product. Provided general guidelines on how to maximize accuracy for their final product .
Analytical Chemist
Kaycha Labs
11.2017 - 06.2021
- Responsible for running the Shimadzu LCMS-MS 8060 (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer) which included the analysis of 68 Pesticides and 5 Mycotoxins; preparing and performing calibrations weekly; perform regular maintenance such as changing columns, injection needles and various other parts related to both the LC and MS;
- Received training by Shimadzu's top scientists and technicians on how to operate and maintain their instruments (HPLC UV/DAD for Potency analysis, ICPMS for Heavy Metals analysis, GCMS-TQ for Volatile Pesticide analysis, LCMS-MS for Pesticide/Mycotoxin analysis)
- Developed a production method for Pesticides and Mycotoxin analysis on the Shimadzu LCMS-MS 8060 in conjunction with Shimadzu's engineer, which included strategizing the impact certain variables have on the method such as flow-rate, solvent mixtures, trying different columns to maximize efficient separation of compounds vs duration of analysis, using the instrument's optimization software to maximize peak selection and sensitivity, etc.
- Developed an extraction method for LCMS-MS that limited the amount of matrix interference and maximized the analyte performance on instrument. Came up with strategies to combat issues like matrix interference, solvent use and the use of cleanups.
- Developed an analytical and extraction method for quantifying cannabinoid metabolites found in human blood using the LCMS-MS 8060.
- Performed analyses from extraction to data analysis for Heavy Metals (ICPMS), Potency (HPLC), Volatile Pesticides (GCMS), and Microbiology (PCR).
- Actively involved in writing and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures for various analyses and operations.
- Training new and existing staff on how to operate instruments in the lab, how to perform the LCMS for Pesticide/Mycotoxin analysis, how to perform a microbial assay from start to finish using PCR technology
- Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
- Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
- Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
Lead Microbiologist
Kaycha Labs
11.2017 - 05.2018
- Responsible for the Microbiology department and performing Microbiology testing through PCR for Mold and Bacteria species commonly found in Hemp and Cannabis
- Involved in starting up the Laboratory business as a founding chemist / analyst
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Florida International University
Miami 08.2013 - 08.2017
Skills
Knowledge of quality systems
Staff training and development
Flexible and Adaptable
Problem-Solving
Data Entry
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Troubleshooting
Laboratory management
Scientific writing
Testing procedures
Timeline
Laboratory Director
Green Analytics OH
08.2024 - Current
Laboratory Director
Kaycha Labs
07.2023 - 08.2024
Compliance Coordinator
Kaycha Labs
12.2020 - 06.2021
Analytical Chemist
Kaycha Labs
11.2017 - 06.2021
Lead Microbiologist
Kaycha Labs
11.2017 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Florida International University
08.2013 - 08.2017
National Quality Manager
Kaycha Labs
6 2021 - 06.2024