R & D Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following:

Program Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Work with the Director of R&D to design and execute R&D projects, aligning research priorities with company production and business goals.
• Establish project goals and priorities in collaboration with Propagation, Cultivation, Processing, and Sales departments.
• Collaborate with Greenhouse Managers, Planning, and Operations to ensure R&D projects are in line with production requirements and scheduling.
• Examine key facility production parameters and control system data to generate research projects that support business goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, yield, and operational efficiency, including evaluation of process, materials, products, and equipment.
• Ensure R&D projects remain within approved scope and adhere to scheduled completion dates and budget.
• Supervise, train, and mentor R&D staff (e.g., Cultivation Trial Assistant), providing guidance and performance feedback.

New Genetics, Nursery Partnerships & Strain Library

• Design and evaluate trials for introducing new cannabis cultivars.
• Oversee genetics library management as well as evaluation of new genetics and the phenohunting program in partnership with nursery/breeding partners.
• 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

• 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.
• Direct research into post-harvest processing parameters (drying, curing) affecting flower quality, potency retention, and terpene preservation.
• Translate research findings into actionable cultivation recommendations and SOPs, in partnership with Operations and QA.

Data, Documentation & Reporting

• Work with management to develop and maintain a standardized, centralized database/system to collect, store, and present R&D findings and conclusions.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Present research and development project findings and conclusions to leadership.
• Other responsibilities assigned by manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position supervises the Cultivation and Propagation Trial Assistants and other research and development staff as assigned.