Product Development Scientist - Extraction

The Role 

This role will be directly responsible for developing and commercializing cannabis vape and concentrates as well as ensuring safe, stable, and compliant products. While primary focus will be in Illinois, in this role, product support may be requested across other GTI sites – especially for new product or process implementation. Product development scope includes innovation, productivity, and brand stewardship; however, this role will focus more on innovation, identifying and leading white space exploration. Green Thumb is growing fast, and you will be tasked with leading the evolving demands of our fast-paced environment. 

Responsibilities 

 Essential functions: 

• Conduct product development work from bench top prototypes through scaled up products and processes for commercialization of new vape, concentrated, or infused product, 
• Conduct development work to optimize existing processes and systems in support of GTI’s objectives.   
• Produces and maintains documentation for new or modified processes and products. 
• Assists with implementation of new products/processes as needed – including travel and in person training sessions. 
• Executes bench top formulations of new cannabis and hemp formulations as needed to produce samples for sensory or functionality testing. 
• Supports pilot-scale validations to define manufacturing-scale processes.  
• Identify potential innovation spaces for GTI Business Teams to consider and execute prototype development from benchtop through scale-up.   
• Thoroughly document the results of experiments carried out – including written experimental design and conclusions. 
• Lead the continuous improvement process for biomass preparation, extraction, post-processing, and formulation.  
• Conduct bench design and production scale pilot development.    
• Effectively communicate key results from bench and pilot scale trials to leadership and cross functional teams.   
• Collaborate frequently with a cross-functional team, including but not limited to, project managers, product developers, brand managers, and manufacturing personnel from concept through commercialization of products, ensuring excellent communication.   
• Test and advance new research and development procedures & techniques.   
• Accurately maintain a record of work and generate all required product documentation, including product specifications, formulation sheets, and SOPs.    
• Follow all safety requirements, i.e. GMP, PPE, etc.   
• Provide support to Extraction and Formulation team as needed.    
• Travel approximately 25% of the time. 
• Other duties as assigned.   

Safety & Compliance:  

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace. 
• Retain and understand department specific training. 
• Report safety incidents/ concerns and comply with follow-up actions. 
• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations and PPE requirements. 
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation or other quality and compliance requirements. 
• Perform record keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Maintain and calibrate tools, equipment and machinery as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns. 

Qualifications  

• BS in Science, Engineering, or related STEM discipline such as food science, chemistry, biology, chemical and mechanical engineering or equivalent work experience.   
• Experience with cannabis extraction and post processing – primarily looking for experience with hydrocarbon extraction, ice water extraction, ethanol extraction, and related post-processing.   
• Preference with experience in formulating and producing vapes and concentrates – from biomass to finished goods.   
• Experienced in cannabis extract production and knowledgeable of relevant cannabis market trends. 
• Comfortable and experienced in innovating and exploring new spaces and bringing ideas to life via tangible prototypes in the cannabis industry.   
• Ability to plan, design experiments, and solve problems.   
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects.    
• Capability of troubleshooting, fixing, and services a wide range of equipment and software without assistance.   
• Knowledge of lab best practices and GMP.   
• Advanced math skills.   
• Must be detail oriented with superior organizational skills.    
• Must be able to multi-task and produce results.   
• Ability to work well with others while also completing individually assigned tasks. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with coworkers and management.   
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines for dealing with hazardous chemicals and extreme environments.   
• Understanding & adhering to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they pertain to the industry, safety regulations, local municipal codes and organizational rules, regulations, directives and standard operating procedures.   
• Ability to adapt to change and to find creative solutions to keep projects on track  
• Must be familiar with both lab and manufacturing equipment. 

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while maintaining focus. 
• Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds (and up to 100 pounds with assistance) AND must be able to do so with extreme care and caution when working with product. 
• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil). 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment 

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks  
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry  
• Must possess valid driver’s license 
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 
• Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry