What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Technician – Cannabis Testing (Microbiology Focus) position at SUNRISE CLINICAL LABS?
Job Title: Laboratory Technician – Cannabis Testing (Microbiology Focus)
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 microbiological testing in our New Jersey–licensed cannabis testing laboratory. This position requires hands-on microbiology experience, strong documentation practices, and strict adherence to NJ CRC regulations, laboratory SOPs, and quality systems. The successful candidate will generate accurate, defensible data to support regulatory compliance and public health.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform microbiological testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products in accordance with NJ CRC regulations, validated methods, and internal SOPs, including:
- Total Yeast and Mold
- Total Aerobic Count
- Bile-Tolerant Gram-Negative Bacteria
- Pathogen testing (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Aspergillus spp.)
- Conduct sample intake, preparation, dilution, plating, incubation, enumeration, and result interpretation
- Prepare, label, and document media, reagents, standards, controls, and consumables
- Accurately enter, review, and maintain test data, deviations, and corrective actions in LIMS and laboratory records
- Maintain chain-of-custody, sample integrity, and data integrity at all times
- Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), biosafety protocols, and contamination control procedures
- Perform routine equipment cleaning, maintenance, verification, and environmental monitoring as required
- Support method validation, method verification, and ongoing quality assurance activities
- Participate in internal audits, corrective actions, and inspections as required 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 Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field
- Minimum of 2 years of professional laboratory experience performing microbiological testing
OR
At least 2 years of experience in a licensed cannabis testing laboratory
- Demonstrated experience with aseptic technique, microbial culture methods, and contamination control
- 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 working under NJ CRC, ISO/IEC 17025, or comparable regulatory frameworks
- Familiarity with NJ cannabis testing regulations and required analyte panels
- Experience using LIMS for sample tracking and data reporting
- Experience with PCR-based or rapid microbiological testing platforms
- Prior participation in regulatory inspections or accreditation audits
- Prior experience with ICP/MS, GC/MS, HPLC, LC/MS, and other analytical testing
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Comfortable working with biological materials, laboratory 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