Laboratory Chemical Analyst – Cannabis Testing Laboratory
Location: Walled Lake, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: On-site
Remote Work: No
Reports To: Laboratory Director / Laboratory Manager
Schedule: Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday; 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts may be required. Weekend availability and on-call availability may be required.
Compensation: Starting at $43,000 per year, negotiable and commensurate with education and experience.
Position Summary
The Laboratory Chemical Analyst is responsible for performing chemical analysis in a full-service cannabis testing laboratory providing state-mandated testing services to Michigan cannabis cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and distributors. This position focuses specifically on analytical chemistry testing, sample preparation, instrument operation, data review, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
The Chemical Analyst will perform routine and advanced chemical testing on cannabis flower, concentrates, infused products, vape products, and other cannabis matrices. This role requires strong attention to detail, technical laboratory skills, and knowledge of analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, GC-FID, ICP-MS, and related laboratory systems.
The ideal candidate will have experience in cannabis safety testing, analytical chemistry, method validation, instrument troubleshooting, and working within an ISO 17025 quality system.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, vape products, infused products, and other cannabis matrices for chemical analysis.
- Perform chemical sample preparation, including weighing, dilution, extraction, digestion, filtration, derivatization, and other required preparation procedures.
- Conduct state-mandated cannabis chemical testing, including but not limited to potency, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals, terpenes, vitamin E acetate, moisture, and other applicable analyses.
- Operate and maintain analytical instruments, including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, GC-FID, ICP-MS, and related laboratory equipment.
- Perform routine instrument setup, calibration, tuning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance verification.
- Prepare, label, track, and document reagents, standards, calibrators, controls, and quality control samples.
- Review analytical batches for compliance with laboratory acceptance criteria, quality control requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Analyze, review, quantify, and troubleshoot data generated from laboratory instruments.
- Identify data quality issues, instrument problems, calibration failures, carryover, contamination, matrix interference, and other analytical concerns.
- Enter, review, and approve test results in the Laboratory Information Management System, LIMS, and Metrc, as applicable.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including bench sheets, preparation logs, instrument logs, maintenance logs, calibration records, and quality control records.
- Follow laboratory standard operating procedures, quality assurance procedures, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Assist with method development, method optimization, method transfer, method qualification, and method validation activities.
- Prepare, review, and edit technical documents, validation protocols, analytical reports, and regulatory documentation.
- Support compliance with ISO 17025, Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency requirements, internal quality systems, and laboratory accreditation standards.
- Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safe working conditions.
- Follow OSHA safety practices and laboratory safety procedures related to chemical hazards, solvents, acids, compressed gases, biological materials, and other laboratory risks.
- Work collaboratively with laboratory staff, quality personnel, and management to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant test results.
- Cross-train on multiple chemical testing methods as needed.
- Assist in training new analysts or junior laboratory staff when requested.
- Perform other job-related duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, or required by applicable regulatory agencies.
Chemical Testing Areas
The Chemical Analyst may be assigned to one or more of the following testing areas:
- Cannabinoid potency analysis
- Pesticide residue analysis
- Residual solvent analysis
- Heavy metals analysis
- Terpene analysis
- Vitamin E acetate analysis
- Moisture content analysis
- Water activity support, if applicable
- Foreign material support, if applicable
- Other state-mandated or internally validated cannabis testing methods
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline required.
- Master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field preferred but not required.
- Minimum of 1–2 years of relevant laboratory experience preferred.
- Previous cannabis safety testing experience is highly preferred.
- Experience with analytical instrumentation is strongly preferred.
- Experience with HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, GC-FID, ICP-MS, or Agilent systems is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 requirements is preferred.
- Experience with method development, method qualification, method validation, and quality control procedures is preferred.
- Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment is preferred.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory testing practices.
- Ability to accurately follow standard operating procedures, laboratory policies, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
- Ability to review analytical data and recognize abnormal results, quality control failures, and instrument issues.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven laboratory environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a scientific team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and urgency.
- Ability to safely handle chemicals, solvents, acids, standards, and laboratory equipment.
- Must be at least 21 years of age to work in Michigan’s cannabis industry.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred Instrument Experience
Experience with one or more of the following is preferred:
- HPLC
- LC-MS/MS
- GC-MS
- GC-FID
- ICP-MS
- Agilent 1100 / 1200 series systems
- SCIEX LC-MS/MS systems
- Analytical balances
- Pipettes and liquid handling equipment
- Digestion systems
- Sample extraction systems
- Laboratory Information Management Systems, LIMS
- Metrc
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is negotiable and will be based on education, experience, technical skills, cannabis testing experience, and overall qualifications.
Company-provided PPE will be supplied as required.
Employment Requirements
Applicant screening will include a background check. This position requires compliance with company drug testing policies, including random and ongoing random drug testing as applicable.
Work Environment
This position is based at one laboratory location in Walled Lake, Michigan. The role requires on-site laboratory work and is not eligible for remote work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The company is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $43,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Shift availability:
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Walled Lake, MI 48390 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Walled Lake, MI 48390: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
