Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include the following:
Program Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment
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Work with the Director of R&D to design and execute R&D projects, aligning research priorities with company production and business goals.
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Establish project goals and priorities in collaboration with Propagation, Cultivation, Processing, and Sales departments.
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Collaborate with Greenhouse Managers, Planning, and Operations to ensure R&D projects are in line with production requirements and scheduling.
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Examine key facility production parameters and control system data to generate research projects that support business goals.
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Identify opportunities to improve quality, yield, and operational efficiency, including evaluation of process, materials, products, and equipment.
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Ensure R&D projects remain within approved scope and adhere to scheduled completion dates and budget.
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Supervise, train, and mentor R&D staff (e.g., Cultivation Trial Assistant), providing guidance and performance feedback.
New Genetics, Nursery Partnerships & Strain Library
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Design and evaluate trials for introducing new cannabis cultivars.
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Oversee genetics library management as well as evaluation of new genetics and the phenohunting program in partnership with nursery/breeding partners.
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Work with Mother Plant Greenhouse Manager, planning, sales, and tissue culture staff to guide decisions on retiring and introducing genetics into the production pipeline.
Propagation, Cultivation, & Processing Research
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Direct trials testing propagation and flowering plant cultivation variables (feed programs, irrigation/fertigation scheduling, substrate/media, planting density, lighting, environmental setpoints, plant training techniques) to optimize yield and quality.
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Direct research into post-harvest processing parameters (drying, curing) affecting flower quality, potency retention, and terpene preservation.
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Translate research findings into actionable cultivation recommendations and SOPs, in partnership with Operations and QA.
Data, Documentation & Reporting
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Work with management to develop and maintain a standardized, centralized database/system to collect, store, and present R&D findings and conclusions.
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Document all phases of research and development.
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Present research and development project findings and conclusions to leadership.
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Other responsibilities assigned by manager.
Supervisory Responsibilities
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This position supervises the Cultivation and Propagation Trial Assistants and other research and development staff as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required:
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Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Botany, Genetics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
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4+ years of commercial cannabis cultivation experience, including direct exposure to propagation, tissue culture, and flowering plant cultivation
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Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and managing controlled research trials
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Working knowledge of cannabis genetics and phenotype evaluation
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Strong data compilation, analysis, and reporting skills
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Experience managing or mentoring staff
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Ability to translate research findings into practical, production-ready recommendations
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Solid experience with MS Office (particularly MS Excel)
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Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple concurrent projects, and meet deadlines
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Strong people skills, organization, and meticulous attention to detail
Preferred:
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Advanced degree in a plant science-related field
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Familiarity with tissue culture technique and micropropagation
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Experience with crop steering and environmental control systems
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Familiarity with tracking genetic lineage and pedigree records
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Working knowledge of state cannabis cultivation regulations
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Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends
Physical Requirements
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Ability to work in conditions typically found in a greenhouse or cultivation facility, including high humidity and varying temperatures
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Ability to exert up to 15-50 pounds occasionally to lift and move product or equipment
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Ability to balance, reach, and grasp while climbing on a step stool and/or ladder
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Ability to crouch, grasp, and lift product above shoulders
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Ability to be on feet for extended periods while performing job responsibilities
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of the following software applications:
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Internet software
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Microsoft Office
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Excel (intermediate to advanced)
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Business Central
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
None required for this position
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About the Role
The Research & Development Manager leads Glass House's cannabis cultivation research and development program, overseeing projects across propagation, cultivation, processing, tissue culture, and genetics. Reporting to the Director of R&D, this role designs and executes R&D projects that align research priorities with company production and business goals, and works closely with Greenhouse Managers, Planning, Quality Assurance, and Operations to ensure projects are in line with production requirements. The R&D Manager identifies opportunities to improve quality, yield, and operational efficiency, translates research findings into actionable cultivation recommendations, and oversees the R&D team — including the Cultivation and Propagation Trial Assistants — to ensure trial rigor, data integrity, and on-time, on-budget delivery of project findings to leadership.
