Potency Laboratory Technician (Cannabis Testing Laboratory)

Location: Westminster, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $20-$22/hour (commensurate with experience)
Schedule: Thursday-Monday | 10:00AM-6:00PM (Weekend hours flexible as needed to meet laboratory turnaround times)

Job Overview

MD Cannalytics is seeking a Potency Laboratory Technician to join our state-licensed cannabis testing laboratory serving the Maryland cannabis market. This is a full-time, in-lab position within a fast-paced, production-driven, and highly regulated environment.

This role is responsible for sample preparation, potency testing support, quality control documentation, inventory management, and laboratory operations in accordance with Maryland cannabis regulations and ISO/IEC 17025 quality standards.

The ideal candidate is reliable, detail-oriented, and thrives in a laboratory environment where accuracy, efficiency, and compliance are critical. Candidates with prior cannabinoid sample preparation experience, HPLC experience, or experience working in cannabis, environmental, food, pharmaceutical, or analytical laboratories are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and other matrices for potency analysis.
• Perform sample homogenization, weighing, extraction, dilution, filtration, and preparation according to laboratory SOPs.
• Support potency testing workflows utilizing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• Prepare reagents, standards, solutions, and consumables required for analytical testing.
• Perform routine instrument performance checks, maintenance, cleaning, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Assist with initial data review and analysis under the supervision of a Laboratory Chemist.
• Maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation and cannabis tracking records.
• Ensure compliance with Maryland cannabis regulations, ISO/IEC 17025 standards, and internal SOPs.
• Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) for all laboratory logs, worksheets, forms, and records.
• Maintain laboratory reagent, solvent, and consumable inventory, including compliant documentation.
• Assist with sample intake, accessioning, and non-analytical laboratory activities as needed.
• Support method validations, verifications, proficiency testing, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, LIMS, and other laboratory software platforms for documentation and workflow management.
• Perform accurate measurements and documentation of all cannabis materials, including sample weights, volumes, tracking, and destruction records.
• Work efficiently while maintaining high levels of quality, accuracy, and productivity.
• Participate in ongoing training and competency assessments for assigned methodologies.
• Assist with cannabis sampling and transport activities when required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by laboratory management.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to comply with all Maryland cannabis employment requirements
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant laboratory experience; OR
• 1 year of laboratory experience plus successful completion of a laboratory skills assessment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain compliance within a regulated laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cannabis potency sample preparation.
• Experience operating or supporting HPLC instrumentation.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or related scientific discipline.
• Experience in cannabis, pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, or analytical testing laboratories.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and accreditation requirements.
• Experience with analytical sample preparation techniques, including extraction, dilution, filtration, and reagent preparation.
• Experience with laboratory inventory management and quality control procedures.
• Knowledge of cannabinoids and cannabis testing methodologies.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, production-driven cannabis testing laboratory.
• Frequent interruptions and changing priorities throughout the workday.
• Continuous video and/or audio surveillance in accordance with Maryland cannabis regulations.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection.
• Potential exposure to chemicals, solvents, fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
• Moderate to loud noise levels associated with laboratory operations.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently standing, sitting, walking, reaching, and using hands for laboratory work and data entry.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed.
• Strong visual acuity, including close vision, color differentiation, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to maintain concentration and consistently produce accurate work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off