Director, Cannabis Extraction & Vape Science

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Green Thumb is seeking a Director of Product Science & Development to lead the science behind extraction and vape formulation for cannabis products. This role focuses on solvent-based and solventless methods, optimizing yield, potency, and terpene retention while driving product consistency.

The position requires hands-on bench work, cross-functional collaboration with extraction, production, quality, and innovation teams, and travel up to 50% with relocation support available.

Qualifications

• Hands-on extraction science across solvent-based and solventless methods.
• Experience formulating cannabis vape products for specific hardware.
• Strong ability to run DOE and bench/pilot experiments to drive yield and quality.
• Ability to interpret COAs, potency, terpene data, and translate into process changes.
• Familiarity with cannabis manufacturing safety, QA/QC, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own the science behind solvent-based extraction (hydrocarbon) for cured and fresh-frozen live cannabis.
• Lead solventless extraction science (ice-water hash and rosin).
• Formulate vape products from extracts, tuning viscosity and terpene blends.
• Design and run bench and pilot experiments (DOE) to improve yield, quality, and cost.
• Ensure compliance with state cannabis regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Extraction science

Vape formulation

DOE / experimentation

Process optimization

Regulatory compliance

Education

PhD, MS, or BS in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Food Science / related field

Job description

Green Thumb is seeking a Director of Product Science & Development to lead the science behind extraction and vape formulation for cannabis products. This role focuses on solvent-based and solventless methods, optimizing yield, potency, and terpene retention while driving product consistency.

The position requires hands-on bench work, cross-functional collaboration with extraction, production, quality, and innovation teams, and travel up to 50% with relocation support available.