In this key role, the Director of R&D will lead a small team of technicians and formula scientists to develop best-in-class, science driven cannabis products for Curio Wellness and our licensed brand partners. Categories include, but are not limited to edibles, beverages, tinctures, tablets, vapes (Distillate/Rosin/Resin), pre-rolls (infused and not infused), concentrates. Working within a highly regulated industry, this role will be executed under cGMP and LEAN protocols as well as in compliance with all state-based regulations. The products developed under the Director of R&D must align with the organization's strategic goals/vision, be stable, economically viable, and scalable in manufacturing. You will also be expected to manage and work closely with subject matter expert consultants and leverage insights from our Scientific Advisory Board. This role requires a creative, solution-oriented thinking and an inquisitive mind as it pertains to wellness products and the cannabis industry.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Supervise the development of benchtop samples and product prototypes for all product categories ensuring that formulations meet the brief, ethics of the brand, are stable, and adhere to all required regulations, certifications, and production protocols.
- Coordinate timing and logistics for submission trials ensuring that they fit within the demands of the timeline. Review data associated with trial and lead the execution of any reformulation required.
- Oversee scale up and first production batches of new products for successful transition and handover to the manufacturing team
- Maintain and/or create SOPs for all laboratory and manufacturing processes for new product launches.
- Manage, mentor and develop the R&D Formula Scientists/ PI Plant Technicians to support the needs of the business.
- Complete required technical documentation
- Calculate and track costs related to formula development and lab operations to ensure they are within budget
- Work with/Manage external consultants and experts as required
- Identify the best-in-class technologies, ingredients, and materials to meet the performance needs of the product requirements
- Establish manufacturing production specifications and performance requirements
- Strong understanding if cannabis regulations that may impact development
- Execute cGMP
- Conduct technology and feasibility reviews for new products/ line extensions/ licensed brands.
- Coordinate with cross functional teams including Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance, Cultivation, Compliance/Regulatory and Sales and Marketing, as necessary
- Partner with the Curio Wellness Science Advisory Board to understand and explore new science based product opportunities
- As a member of the Product Innovation team, the Director of R&D will have visibility to confidential information, intellectual property, and will be expected to use integrity to protect the confidentiality of this and any sensitive information not limited to but including formulations, recipes, processes and ingredients.
Requirements
- Must have experience working in a cGMP environment/manufacturing space
- Experience in a field and/or operation that adheres to strict health and safety policies and procedures, preferably a regulated field producing products for human consumption, pharmaceuticals or health supplements.
- Strong knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing techniques
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of recipes and food production as well as general formula creation for a variety of cannabis product categories.
- Strong and effective task-management skills and ability to multi-task.
- Attention to detail – ability to monitor basic kitchen production in processes, organize and maintain production/ formula logs and ingredient lot numbers etc.
- Strong understanding and ability to execute accurate batch calculations
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing and challenging environment.
- Ability to problem solve is essential
- Work with cross functional teams including, manufacturing, engineering, finance, cultivation, sales, marketing etc
- Prior cannabis edibles/ Topicals/ Tablets/ Beverages/ vape formula development, preferred
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or at least 10 years of kitchen / Lab management experience
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to finger or feel, use finger dexterity, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and lift a maximum of 25 lbs
Curio Wellness is an Equal Opportunity Employer Curio Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Must be 21 years old.
As a condition of employment, all Curio Wellness employees must comply with the State of Maryland requirements which include providing a copy of your fingerprints in the required format and consenting to an FBI Background Check.