Cresco Labs
Company Overview
Recently named one of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 100 Cannabis Leaders, Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis operators in the United States. Cresco is built to become the most important company in the cannabis industry by combining the most strategic geographic footprint with one of the leading distribution platforms in North America. Employing a consumer-packaged goods (“CPG”) approach to cannabis, Cresco’s house of brands is designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and includes some of the most recognized and trusted national brands including Cresco, Remedi and Mindy’s, a line of edibles created by James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal. Sunnyside*, Cresco’s national dispensary brand is a wellness-focused retailer designed to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco has launched the industry’s first national comprehensive Social Equity and Educational Development (SEED) initiative designed to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work in and own businesses in the cannabis industry.
MISSION STATEMENT
Cresco aims to lead the nation’s cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction. Their operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to regulations, and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows, they will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market they move in to.
Job Summary
The Research and Development Applications Technician will assist the Research and Development group in creating prototypes, screening new ingredients, assisting with line runs and product commercialization, producing non-medicated R&D samples, and optimizing current formulations, all with the objective of creating first-in-class edibles and beverages for Cresco Labs.
Core Job Duties
Conduct accurate sample preparation and apply flavors and ingredients to new and existing formulations Compound finished prototypes for new product development and sensory studies based off of formulas provided by Food Scientists Ability to travel to Joliet Cultivation Center (Illinois) regularly in order to conduct infusions and to assist with infused line run trials Participate in non-medicated product cuttings and provide feedback on taste and texture attributes Ability to operate pilot plant equipment in order to allow R&D team to meet product commercialization timelines and schedules Conduct pH, water activity, and other analytical bench top tests to ensure product conformance Ability to record and interpret technical data Communicate with ingredient suppliers to source ingredient samples and documentation needed for formula development and prototyping Prepare samples and product concepts for internal demonstrations, training, and brain-storming sessions Screen ingredients for function and cost effectiveness Monitor R&D ingredient sample dates and replenish inventory as ingredients expire or are depleted Offer ingredient recommendations and ideas for product and process development Execute experiments with the support of the R&D team, based on project objectives Flexibility and ability to pivot on project needs and deliverables Meet project deadlines by working efficiently with a sense of urgency Maintaining correct sanitation for work areas and pilot plant areas Participate in establishing, improving and adhering to and fulfill policies, procedures and reporting requirements for all relevant Environment, Health and Safety regulations; local, state and federal food safety regulations; GMP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); GFSI, SQF, BRC and/or customer food safety requirements and other third-party inspections; and Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-Free, USDA Organic and other quality certifications
Required Education, Experience And Skills
2+ years of quality assurance, laboratory, product development, culinary or food preparation experience, OR Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Culinary degree in lieu of work experience Experience with cannabis extracts, edibles production and different infusion techniques a plus Ability to work effectively in a team environment and able to manage multiple projects concurrently Desire to learn about ingredient functionality to enable product quality improvement and new development Creative problem-solving skills Ability to stand for long hours when needed Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds, and preform typical cleaning of facilities and equipment
Additional Requirements
Must be 21 years of age or older to apply Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
