Analytical HPLC Scientist

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Position Type: Full-Time
Department: Analytical Chemistry
Reports To: Chief Scientific Officer / Laboratory Manager

About ChRi Laboratories

ChRi Laboratories is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited analytical testing laboratory providing high-quality pharmaceutical, cannabis, and hemp testing services. Our mission is to deliver scientifically sound, accurate, and defensible analytical results while maintaining the highest standards of quality, integrity, and regulatory compliance.

As Minnesota’s cannabis industry continues to expand, ChRi Laboratories is seeking an experienced and motivated HPLC Scientist to join our Analytical Chemistry team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a modern laboratory environment utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation while supporting public health and regulatory compliance.

Position Summary

The HPLC Scientist is responsible for performing routine analytical testing of cannabis, hemp, and cannabinoid-derived products using validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods. Primary responsibilities include quantitative cannabinoid potency testing and cannabinoid profile analysis of a variety of product types including flower, concentrates, infused products, beverages, and oral formulations.

The successful candidate will perform analytical testing in accordance with validated methods, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ISO/IEC 17025 quality requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine HPLC analysis for cannabinoid potency and cannabinoid profiling of:
• Cannabis flower
• Hemp flower
• Distillates and concentrates
• Vape oils and cartridges
• Edibles (gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and other infused products)
• Non-edible infused products
• Beverages
• Tinctures and oral solutions
• Prepare samples using validated extraction and dilution procedures.
• Prepare calibration standards, quality control samples, and analytical reagents.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HPLC instrumentation.
• Process chromatographic data using Waters Empower® 3 Chromatography Data Software.
• Review chromatograms for peak integration, system suitability, calibration performance, and quality control acceptance criteria.
• Verify analytical results prior to release.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, calibrations, and performance verification.
• Assist with method validation, method verification, and continuous improvement projects.
• Participate in laboratory investigations, out-of-specification (OOS) investigations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), proficiency testing, and internal audits.
• Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and laboratory quality systems.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and a safe working environment.
• Meet laboratory turnaround time goals while maintaining the highest standards of data quality and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of analytical laboratory experience using chromatographic techniques (HPLC and/or GC) in pharmaceutical, cannabis, hemp, food, environmental, contract laboratory, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of quantitative analytical chemistry principles.
• Experience performing routine chemical analyses using validated analytical methods.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative laboratory team.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Cannabis or hemp analytical testing
• Cannabinoid potency and profile analysis
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas Chromatography (GC-FID and/or GC-MS)
• Residual solvent or impurity analysis
• Waters Empower® 3 Chromatography Data Software
• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• USP, AOAC, or ASTM analytical methods
• Method validation and analytical method development
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Technical Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess experience with:

• HPLC instrumentation and chromatography
• Analytical balances, pipettes, and volumetric techniques
• Calibration curve preparation and quantitative analysis
• Chromatographic troubleshooting
• Statistical evaluation of analytical data
• Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong scientific and analytical thinking
• Commitment to producing high-quality, defensible analytical data
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong work ethic, professionalism, and integrity
• Commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive laboratory procedures, including pipetting.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to distinguish colors for chromatographic data interpretation.

Why Join ChRi Laboratories?

Joining ChRi Laboratories means becoming part of a growing team dedicated to scientific excellence, innovation, and regulatory compliance. We provide a collaborative work environment where talented scientists are encouraged to expand their technical expertise while contributing to one of Minnesota’s leading analytical laboratories serving the pharmaceutical and cannabis industries.

If you are passionate about analytical chemistry and committed to producing accurate, high-quality scientific data, we encourage you to apply and become part of our growing team.

ChRi Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Pay: $65,000.00 – $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person