Lab Director

Our client, Calypso Enterprises, a medical cannabis cultivation company located in Erie, PA under new ownership and recommitted to building a world class team to grow excellent product, seeking detail-oriented, organized, and strategic individuals to join our team as a Lab Director.

• Job Title: Lab Director – Processing Lab
• Location: Erie, PA
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Full benefits package including dental, health, vision, 401k and paid time off (PTO)
Job Description:
Calypso is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lab Director for our Processing Lab located in Erie, PA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in formulation, high volume production, SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) creation, implementation, and personnel management. This leadership role demands expertise in various extraction methods, particularly in Hydrocarbon Extraction, and operational experience with a MEP system. Experience in solventless extraction, including Bubble hash, freeze drying, familiarity with press operations, is preferred.
Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the extraction and refinement of extracts for use in all medical marijuana product lines.
• Overseeing the product manufacturing, packaging, labeling and storage of all medical marijuana product lines.
• Producing batch reports for data tracking and quality assurance and control.
• Operation/Maintenance of all equipment involved in the extraction process including but not limited to the LPG extractor and associated equipment, vacuum pumps, laboratory freezers and ovens, walk-in freezer, recirculating chillers/heaters, ancillary hardware and glassware/labware items, and scales.
• Medical marijuana transfers and proper record keeping.
• Inventory management of consumables, solvents and equipment, etc.
• Implementation of quality control protocols.
• Improvement of LPG extraction crew moral.
• Data collection, mining, and analysis of extraction parameters, yields, and efficiency as well as manufacturing process controls.
• Development of production manuals to be used by anyone for the quick and easy replication of current methodologies.
• Facility maintenance including but not limited to cleaning, taking out the trash, safety inspections, mold inspections, and health concerns.
• Understanding and ability to address proper chemical storage and handling.

Formulation and SOP Management:
Develop and oversee the implementation of formulations and SOPs for the lab’s various processes.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Personnel Management:
Lead and manage a team of lab professionals.
Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Extraction Expertise:
Possess hands-on experience with Hydrocarbon Extraction, specifically the MEP unit.
Proficient in Solventless Extraction methods, including Bubble hash, freeze drying, and press operations.
Kitchen Operations:
Experience in kitchen operations making gummies/edibles is a plus but not the main focus.
Regulatory Compliance:
In-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania regulations governing cannabis processing labs.
Familiarity with OSHA/GMP standards and potential FDA regulations.
Industry Experience:
We are seeking a candidate with a background as an old-school lab worker with deep roots in the cannabis industry, prioritizing hands-on experience over formal chemical or pharmaceutical engineering training.
Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Lab Director or in a similar leadership role within the cannabis processing industry.
Expertise in Hydrocarbon Extraction, Solventless Extraction, and kitchen operations.
Knowledge of Pennsylvania regulations, OSHA/GMP, and potential FDA regulations.
Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
Excellent formulation and SOP creation abilities.
Location: Erie, PA
If you are a seasoned Lab Director with a passion for the cannabis industry, hands-on extraction experience, and a keen understanding of regulatory compliance, we invite you to apply. Join our team and be a driving force in shaping the future of our Processing Lab.

This is an excellent career opportunity offering competitive pay & benefit packages. 

Interested, qualified candidates will please submit a résumé in confidence.

J.L. Nick & Associates and Calypso are equal opportunity employers.