R&D Product Development Scientist

The Role 

This position is a hybrid role that can be based out of GTI Ocala FL or Oglesby IL manufacturing facilities. We are open to the candidate being based out of either location.

The R&D Product Development Scientist will report to and work side by side with Green Thumb’s Sr. Manager of Manufacturing - Edibles. This role will be directly responsible for developing and commercializing cannabis infused Food & Beverage products with a focus on confectionary products in a manner ensuring safe, stable and compliant products. While primary focus will be Food & Beverage, in this role, product development support may be requested across other GTI product platforms as well, which includes Transdermal Topicals and Inhalables. 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 as our new Product Developer, you will be tasked with leading the evolving demands of our fast-paced environment. You must have constant curiosity and have an insatiable desire to create and innovate the edible/oral delivery of cannabis. 

Responsibilities 

• Conduct product development work from bench top prototypes thru scaling-up products and processes for commercialization in support of GTI’s objectives. 
• Identify potential, new innovation spaces for GTI Business Teams to consider and execute prototype development from benchtop thru scale-up. 
• Lead multiple key projects, ensuring they meet project scope, launch time and flawless execution. 
• Conduct experimental design and execute lab scale pilot development  
• Collaborate frequently with a cross-functional team, including but not limited to, project managers, product developers, brand managers, and manufacturing personal from concept thru commercialization of products, ensuring excellent communication. 
• Partner internally and externally to source ingredients and to leverage vendor expertise in ingredient functionality.
• Implement and advance new research and development procedures & techniques 
• Accurately maintain laboratory notebook and generate all required product documentation, including product specifications, formulation sheets, and SOPs.  
• Follow all safety requirements, ie GMP, PPE, etc 
• Provide supervision and direction to R&D Lab Technicians  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications  

• BS in a Food Science, chemical engineering or related STEM discipline such as chemistry, biology, mechanical engineering, etc. 
• Experience with confectionary product development and have acquired gummy development expertise, but also knowledgeable and experienced in chocolate, taffy, tablets, etc. 
• Preference with experience in innovating and commercializing confectionary products for the Cannabis industry. 
• Comfortable and experienced in innovating and exploring new spaces and bringing ideas to life via tangible prototypes. 
• Ability to plan, design experiments, and problem solve. 
• 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. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with coworkers and management. 
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines for dealing with hazardous chemicals. 
• 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. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Active driver’s license or State ID card. 
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. 
• Must pass all required background checks. 
• 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 be and remain compliant with all legal & company regulations for working in the industry. 
• Must be approved by the D.O.A. to receive & maintain an Agent badge 
• This position will require occasional flexibility in working hours to set-up and complete pilot plant scale–ups or plant trials that may extend past typical working hours. 
• Domestic travel required and estimated up to 25-50% 

Working Conditions:  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 
• Physical demands – May be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 50 pounds (200 pounds with assistance).   
• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil).