Description

Cronos Group is an innovative global cannabinoid company with international production and distribution across five continents. Cronos Group is committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology, and product development. With a passion to responsibly elevate the consumer experience, Cronos Group is building an iconic brand portfolio. Cronos Group’s portfolio includes PEACE NATURALS™, a global health and wellness platform, and adult-use brands, Spinach™ and Lord Jones™

At Cronos Group, we hire talented people who thrive on solving difficult problems and give them the opportunity to hone new skills and approaches. If you want to play a part in shaping an innovative industry and help build a historically significant company, we want to meet you.

As Research Scientist in Chemistry & Technology, you will be at the forefront of pioneering chemical synthesis and technological advancements in the cannabis industry. In this role, you’ll lead both small and large-scale chemical synthesis projects, as well as technological initiatives crucial to our product development. Your work will directly contribute to our company’s critical manufacturing and innovation roadmap, encompassing a range of responsibilities from scaling up processes for production to integrating new technologies. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific expertise with technological applications, making significant contributions to our next-generation products, particularly inhalables. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Process Chemistry, you’ll be a vital part of a team that shapes the future of our company and the industry.

This position is based out of Stayner, ON.

What you’ll be doing:

• Chemical Synthesis and Process Chemistry: Lead efforts in developing efficient chemical synthesis processes and conducting projects involving the extraction, purification, and modification of compounds from chemical and biological sources.
• Technology Implementation and Process Innovation: Spearhead the integration of new technologies into current and future production processes. This includes assessing and applying advancements in technology for both existing product lines and new developments, ensuring seamless transition from concept to production floor.
• Pre-Roll R&D and Equipment Integration: Lead in optimizing biomass preparation and processing for pre-rolls, focusing on blend refinement, equipment adaptability, and innovative infusion methods. Ensure product stability and sensory excellence, while actively contributing to equipment readiness and continuous improvement for advancing next-generation pre-roll technologies.
• Vape Hardware Research & Optimization: Lead the evaluation and optimization of vape hardware, focusing on compatibility with diverse formulations and sizes. Prioritize enhancing sensory attributes and quality, while assessing leak rates, filling efficiency, and the stability of formulations for sustained performance.
• Research, Development, and Scale-up Management: Design and manage research experiments, oversee scale-up activities from lab to production, and assist the Senior Manager in comprehensive project management.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Integration: Work collaboratively with Engineering, QA/QC, Operations, Product Development, and other teams to ensure the smooth integration of processes and compliance with industry standards. Act as a liaison between these departments for technology and process integration.
• Troubleshooting, Quality Support, and Compliance: Address production challenges and product issues, assist in managing deviations and change controls, and ensure adherence to regulatory and compliance requirements. Promote and enforce safety policies and standards.
• Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement: Analyze experimental and operational data to enhance process efficiency, identify optimization opportunities, and guide continuous improvement efforts.
• Expertise and Knowledge Sharing: Serve as a Chemistry and Technology Subject Matter Expert for various departments, staying updated with industry trends and introducing innovative solutions and methodologies.
• Team Supervision and Training: Oversee daily tasks of junior staff, providing training and guidance as needed.
• Note: This role does not involve direct people management responsibilities. Equipment and Infrastructure Support: Assist in selecting, installing, and qualifying new process equipment, and collaborate on modifications to existing setups.  

Your environment:

• Work Environment Dynamics: Expect a balance of 70% laboratory work and 30% desk-based tasks.
• Regular day shifts from Monday to Friday, with occasional off-hour and on-call duties to support Production needs.
• Physical Demands: Be prepared for standing and walking for extended periods. While the work is generally light, occasional heavy lifting, such as moving boxes and gas cylinders, is required.
• Precision and Safety: The role demands manual dexterity and visual acuity for repetitive tasks. Working with various chemicals, typical of a laboratory setting, necessitates comfort and adherence to safety protocols.

You’ll need to have:

• Advanced Academic Qualifications: An MSc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field is required.
• Industrial Laboratory Experience: A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in an industrial setting, with a strong emphasis on R&D in related sectors.
• Specialization in Technology and Process Development: Demonstrated experience in process science, particularly in the development and scaling of chemical processes to production, and familiarity with technology integration.
• Expertise in Product Development: Experience in product development and formulation, especially involving innovative approaches in inhalable products and pre-rolls.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Proven ability to apply critical thinking in R&D settings, innovating and solving complex problems efficiently and effectively​​.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, and presentation abilities to share findings with diverse groups​​.
• Cannabis Industry Experience: Prior experience with cannabis, particularly in a Health Canada licensed laboratory, is highly beneficial.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing corporate focuses and industry dynamics, being flexible and efficient in the fast-paced industry environment​​.
• Technical Proficiency: Well-versed in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiar with Good Production and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Excellent at working with internal and external stakeholders, driving decision-making and collaboration.
• Detail-Oriented and Organized: Exceptional attention to detail with excellent time management skills.
• Availability for Overtime and Technical Support: Willingness to work overtime and be available for technical calls on a 24/7 basis.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. For candidates with disabilities, accommodations are available upon request in all phases of the selection process.