What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Technician-Cannabis Testing (Heavy Metals / ICP-MS) position at SUNRISE CLINICAL LABS?
Job Title: Laboratory Technician – Cannabis Testing (Heavy Metals / ICP-MS)
Company: Sunrise Clinical Lab
Location: Irvington, NJ
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $40,000 – $80,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
Position Summary
Sunrise Clinical Lab is seeking a qualified Laboratory Technician to support heavy metals testing in our New Jersey–licensed cannabis testing laboratory. This position focuses on ICP-MS analysis of cannabis and cannabis-derived products and requires strong analytical skills, detailed documentation practices, and strict adherence to NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) regulations, laboratory SOPs, and quality systems. Candidates with prior environmental testing laboratory experience are strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform heavy metals testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products in accordance with NJ CRC regulations, validated methods, and internal SOPs
- Conduct sample intake, preparation, digestion, dilution, and analysis using ICP-MS
- Prepare, label, and document standards, reagents, blanks, spikes, duplicates, and other quality control samples
- Calibrate, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot ICP-MS instrumentation
- Review analytical and QC data to ensure compliance with method acceptance criteria and regulatory requirements
- Accurately enter, review, and maintain test data, QC records, deviations, and corrective actions in LIMS and laboratory documentation systems
- Maintain chain-of-custody, sample integrity, and data integrity at all times
- Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety protocols
- Perform routine equipment cleaning, maintenance, verification, and performance checks
- Assist with method validation, method verification, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Participate in internal audits, corrective actions, and inspections conducted by NJ CRC or accrediting bodies
- Maintain compliance with all NJ CRC requirements related to laboratory operations, security, and personnel conduct
Required Qualifications (NJ CRC–Aligned)
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline
- Minimum of 2 years of professional laboratory experience performing analytical testing
OR
At least 2 years of experience working in a licensed cannabis testing laboratory
- Demonstrated hands-on experience operating ICP-MS instrumentation
- Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment with documented SOPs and QA/QC systems
- Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records
- Strong understanding of data integrity, traceability, and compliance-driven testing
- Must meet NJ CRC personnel requirements, including:
- Ability to pass required background checks
- Compliance with all NJ CRC licensing, training, and security requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in an environmental testing laboratory, particularly metals analysis of water, soil, or solid matrices
- Familiarity with EPA metals methods (e.g., EPA 200.8, 6020) and adaptation to cannabis matrices
- Familiarity with NJ CRC cannabis testing requirements for heavy metals
- Experience working under ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems
- Experience using LIMS software
- Exposure to additional metals instrumentation (ICP-OES, CVAA, AA)
- Exposure to other Analytical Analysis using GC/MS, LC/MS, HPLC, and others
- Experience with Microbiological testing (Plating, PCR, Tempo)
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Comfortable working with acids, reagents, hazardous chemicals, and controlled cannabis samples
- Willingness to follow all laboratory security, access control, and monitoring requirements as mandated by NJ CRC
What Sunrise Clinical Lab Offers
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Opportunity to work in a fully compliant New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory
- Collaborative, science-driven environment with experienced laboratory professionals
- Opportunities for continued training, regulatory exposure, and career advancement
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $40,000 - $80,000