Chemist

Planet 13 (formerly VidaCann) is proud to be one of the largest, most advanced, and sustainable providers of medical cannabis in Florida. Our mission is to help our Florida friends and neighbors live their healthiest lives with our all-natural, sun-grown cannabis products.

We are currently looking for Chemist to join our growing team at our Cultivation facility in St Johns and our Production facility in Jacksonville. The goal of a Chemist is to ensure the highest level of quality and consistency by performing precise extraction, refinement, and analysis of cannabis products while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.

The Chemist is responsible for the extraction, refinement, and separation of cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material into concentrated forms using solvents and specialized separation techniques. This role involves operating extraction and analytical equipment, maintaining a thorough understanding of laboratory and manufacturing processes, and ensuring consistent product quality. The Chemist works closely with Lab Technicians to support all aspects of extraction, product formulation, and process improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise Lab Technicians and assist with daily extraction and refinement operations.

• Operate and maintain solvent and non-solvent extraction equipment, optimizing parameters for maximum efficiency.

• Perform and document separation processes; clean and maintain lab equipment following SOPs and GMP standards.

• Record analytical data and product outputs accurately in BioTrackTHC and other regulatory databases.

• Maintain detailed inventory of materials, chemicals, solvents, and consumables; manage requisitions to ensure compliance.

• Keep strict inventory records of all plant materials, chemicals, and equipment used in the laboratory.

• Clean, sterilize, and organize lab spaces and equipment; properly handle and dispose of waste.

• Perform data entry, recordkeeping, and update safety data sheets as required.

• Operate and troubleshoot advanced lab instruments (e.g., chromatography systems, balances, centrifuges).

• Develop, revise, and implement SOPs to improve extraction and production processes.

• Execute daily operations related to workflow, extraction, analysis, production quotas, and deadlines.

• Process concentrates and extracts using advanced extraction techniques and equipment.

• Ensure all operations comply with state and federal regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

• Support general lab operations and perform other duties as assigned.

• Participate in professional development through research, training, and industry engagement.

• Comply with company HR policies, including confidentiality and non-disclosure.

• Flexibility to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biology, physics, or environmental science; or 5+years’ experience in commercial-scale cannabinoid extraction or compound specific laboratory practices; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least five (5) years’ experience supervising laboratory technicians or staff employees in a commercial production environment.
Knowledge of and hands on experience using extraction equipment and analytical equipment such as HPLC-UV/VIS, GC-MS, LC-MS, headspace auto sampler.
Knowledge of and hands on experience with Supercritical Extraction and Spray Evaporation desired.
Proficient in standard chemistry lab procedures, techniques, and scientific measurement methods.
Experienced with laboratory equipment, apparatus, and instrumentation.
Knowledge of health, safety, and hazardous material handling protocols in a lab environment.
Familiar with proper chemical storage, disposal, and waste management practices.
Strong understanding of state and local medical marijuana laws and regulatory compliance.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and to talk or hear.

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Occasionally required to climb or balance, and taste or smell.

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular exposure to laboratory environments including wet and/or humid conditions and varying temperatures.

• Sometimes exposed to moving mechanical parts.

• Occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic chemicals.

• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

• Awareness that this position may involve exposure to cannabis, cannabis odors, and cannabis smoke, a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth, perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefit

• Health, dental, vision insurance offered
• Paid time off, including major holidays
• Sick Time
• 401k retirement plan
• Employee discount
• Early access to your wages ahead of payday
• Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance