Director, Cannabis Extraction & Vape Science

Green Thumb Industries; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Green Thumb Industries is seeking a Director of Product Science & Development based in the United States to lead the science behind cannabis extraction and vape formulation. The role drives yield, quality, terpene retention, and product consistency across solvent‑based and solventless methods while coordinating with QA/QC, innovation, and production teams.

The candidate will oversee external testing programs, ensure compliance with state regulations, and travel up to 50% with relocation support.

Qualifications

• Education required: PhD, Masters, or Bachelors in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Food Science or related field, or equivalent hands‑on extraction experience.
• Hands‑on cannabis extraction experience across solvent‑based and solventless methods.
• Experience formulating cannabis vape products and tuning to hardware.
• Strong ability to interpret COAs, potency, terpenes, and residual solvents.

Responsibilities

• Own the science behind solvent‑based extraction optimization for cured and live resin.
• Lead solventless extraction development including ice‑water hash and rosin.
• Formulate vape products from extracts and optimize terpene blends for flavor and stability.
• Develop bench and pilot experiments (DOE) to improve yield, quality, and cost.
• Partner with QA/QC and labs on testing, COAs, and compliance in manufacturing.

Skills

Extraction experience

Vape formulation

Analytical fluency

Compliance awareness

Education

PhD / MS / BA in Chemistry or related

Job description

Green Thumb Industries is seeking a Director of Product Science & Development based in the United States to lead the science behind cannabis extraction and vape formulation. The role drives yield, quality, terpene retention, and product consistency across solvent‑based and solventless methods while coordinating with QA/QC, innovation, and production teams.

The candidate will oversee external testing programs, ensure compliance with state regulations, and travel up to 50% with relocation support.