Cannabis Analytical Testing Laboratory Reports To:
Laboratory Director / Senior Scientist Position Summary ChRi Laboratories is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced HPLC Scientist to perform routine cannabinoid potency testing of cannabis and hemp products, with primary responsibility for cannabis flower, edibles, beverages, concentrates, tinctures, oils, and other infused products . The HPLC Scientist will be responsible for sample preparation, operation of Waters HPLC systems , chromatographic data processing using Waters Empower , quality control, routine instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation. The successful candidate must be capable of independently performing analytical testing in a fast-paced commercial laboratory while consistently producing accurate, precise, and defensible results. Testing must be performed according to approved laboratory methods, ChRi Laboratories' Quality Management System, ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, and applicable Minnesota cannabis testing requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Routine Potency Testing Perform routine cannabinoid potency testing on cannabis and hemp products. Analyze cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, gummies, chocolates, beverages, tinctures, oils, concentrates, tablets, capsules, topicals, and other infused products. Prepare and organize analytical batches according to laboratory schedules and sample priorities. Follow approved SOPs, analytical methods, work instructions, and quality control procedures. Complete assigned testing accurately and within established turnaround-time requirements. Cannabinoid Analysis Perform quantitative HPLC analysis of cannabinoids, including as applicable: Δ9-THC
THCA CBD CBDA CBG CBGA CBC CBN
Additional cannabinoids included in the laboratory's approved analytical method Verify appropriate calculations and reporting of cannabinoid concentrations, including total THC and total CBD where required. Sample Preparation Perform sample preparation appropriate to different cannabis matrices, including: Cannabis Flower Homogenize samples according to laboratory procedures. Accurately weigh representative test portions. Perform extraction, dilution, mixing, centrifugation, and/or filtration as required. Ensure representative sampling and proper sample traceability. Edibles Prepare gummies, chocolates, baked products, tablets, capsules, and other infused matrices. Perform appropriate homogenization and extraction procedures. Address matrix-related analytical challenges through approved procedures. Perform required dilutions to bring analyte concentrations within the validated calibration range. Beverages Prepare cannabis-infused beverages and other liquid products for potency analysis. Perform appropriate mixing, dilution, extraction, filtration, or other validated sample preparation procedures. Recognize potential matrix effects associated with sugars, flavors, emulsions, oils, and other beverage ingredients. Waters HPLC Operation Operate and maintain Waters HPLC systems and associated UV/PDA detectors.
Responsibilities include:
Instrument startup and shutdown Mobile-phase preparation Column installation and equilibration Sequence preparation Calibration System suitability testing Calibration verification Sample analysis Sequence monitoring Chromatographic integration Routine maintenance Troubleshooting Waters Empower Data Processing Use Waters Empower Chromatography Data Software to: Create and execute sample sets. Process chromatographic data. Review chromatograms. Evaluate peak identification and integration. Review calibration curves. Verify retention times. Review system suitability and QC performance. Perform dilution and quantitative calculations. Prepare analytical results for technical and QA review. Quality Control Prepare and/or analyze appropriate quality control samples, including: Calibration standards Calibration verification standards Method blanks Laboratory control samples Matrix spikes, where applicable Duplicate samples Continuing calibration verification samples Other QC samples required by laboratory procedures Do not report analytical results when required quality control criteria have not been met. Data Review Review analytical data to ensure: Correct sample identification Proper chromatographic integration Acceptable retention times Calibration acceptance System suitability compliance QC acceptance Appropriate dilution factors Correct calculations Accurate cannabinoid identification Complete analytical documentation Identify and promptly communicate unusual, questionable, or potentially nonconforming analytical results. Instrument Maintenance & Troubleshooting Perform routine HPLC maintenance and troubleshooting, including: Column maintenance and replacement Guard-column replacement Mobile-phase preparation and replacement Solvent-line inspection Seal and filter inspection Injector and needle troubleshooting Pressure monitoring Leak identification Detector performance checks System flushing and cleaning Recognize and troubleshoot common chromatographic problems, including: High or unstable system pressure Poor peak shape Peak splitting Peak tailing or fronting Retention-time shifts Carryover Baseline instability Low sensitivity Poor resolution Unexpected peaks Autosampler or injection problems Escalate significant instrument problems to senior laboratory personnel or instrument service providers as appropriate. Quality & Regulatory Responsibilities Perform all testing according to ChRi Laboratories' ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System . Follow approved SOPs and validated analytical methods. Maintain accurate, complete, contemporaneous, and traceable laboratory records. Follow laboratory requirements for reference standards, reagents, solvents, and consumables. Document instrument maintenance and performance. Report QC failures, deviations, suspected contamination, and nonconforming work. Participate in investigations and corrective actions when required. Participate in proficiency testing and competency assessments. Support internal audits, accreditation assessments, and regulatory inspections. Follow laboratory safety and chemical-handling procedures. Laboratory Operations Work collaboratively with Sample Receiving, GC, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, and other laboratory groups. Maintain adequate inventory of HPLC columns, reference standards, solvents, filters, vials, syringes, and other analytical consumables. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace. Assist with daily workload planning and sample prioritization. Support extended-hour or weekend laboratory operations when required. Contribute to improving laboratory efficiency, throughput, turnaround time, and analytical quality. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences , or a related scientific discipline. Minimum 2-3 years of hands-on HPLC experience in an analytical laboratory. Demonstrated experience operating HPLC instrumentation. Experience with quantitative chromatographic analysis. Understanding of calibration curves, QC samples, analytical standards, and dilution calculations. Experience with analytical sample preparation and extraction techniques. Ability to perform routine HPLC maintenance and troubleshooting. Strong attention to detail and laboratory documentation. Ability to independently organize and complete analytical batches. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating Waters HPLC systems , including Waters Alliance or comparable systems. Proficiency with Waters Empower Chromatography Data Software . Previous experience performing cannabinoid potency testing. Experience in a cannabis or hemp analytical testing laboratory. Experience preparing complex matrices such as gummies, chocolates, beverages, oils, and concentrates. Experience working in an
ISO/IEC 17025
accredited laboratory . Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Experience working in a high-throughput commercial analytical laboratory. Desired Competencies The successful candidate should demonstrate: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills Exceptional attention to detail Scientific integrity Good laboratory documentation practices Ability to manage multiple samples and analytical batches Ability to recognize questionable analytical results before reporting Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision Strong teamwork and communication Commitment to quality, accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment Physical Requirements Ability to stand and work at laboratory benches for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Manual dexterity required for sample preparation and instrument maintenance. Ability to safely work with organic solvents, cannabis materials, reference standards, and other laboratory chemicals. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment. About ChRi Laboratories ChRi Laboratories is committed to providing accurate, scientifically sound, and dependable analytical testing services to Minnesota's cannabis and hemp industry. The HPLC Scientist will play an important role in ChRi Laboratories' daily potency testing operations, helping ensure that cannabis flower, edibles, beverages, and other cannabis products are tested accurately, efficiently, and consistently. We are seeking a scientist who takes ownership of their analytical work, understands the importance of reliable laboratory data, and is committed to maintaining high standards of scientific quality and customer service.
Pay:
$68,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Parental leave