Analytical Scientist – GC-MS (Terpenes)

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 regulated cannabis industry continues to grow, ChRi Laboratories is seeking an experienced Analytical Scientist – GC-MS to lead routine terpene analysis using state-of-the-art gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instrumentation. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with advanced analytical technologies while contributing to one of Minnesota's premier analytical laboratories.

Position Summary

The Analytical Scientist – GC-MS is responsible for performing qualitative and quantitative terpene analysis of cannabis, hemp, and cannabinoid-derived products using validated Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. The successful candidate will operate Agilent GC-MS instrumentation, acquire and process analytical data using Agilent MassHunter software, and ensure the production of accurate, defensible analytical results in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) regulations.

This position also supports method optimization, troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, and future expansion of GC-MS analytical capabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine GC-MS analysis for terpene identification and quantitation in:
• Cannabis flower
• Hemp flower
• Distillates and concentrates
• Vape oils and cartridges
• Edibles
• Non-edible infused products
• Beverages
• Tinctures and oral solutions
• Prepare analytical samples, calibration standards, quality control standards, and laboratory reagents using validated procedures.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot Agilent GC-MS instrumentation, including GC, autosampler, and Mass Selective Detector (MSD).
• Acquire, process, review, and report chromatographic and mass spectral data using Agilent MassHunter Acquisition and Quantitative Analysis software.
• Perform compound identification using retention times, qualifier ions, ion ratios, spectral libraries, and established acceptance criteria.
• Review chromatograms and mass spectra for proper integration, peak identification, calibration performance, and quality control acceptance.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, tuning, calibration verification, leak checks, source cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor system suitability, continuing calibration verification (CCV), blanks, and laboratory quality control samples.
• Assist in analytical method validation, method verification, optimization, and transfer activities.
• Participate in laboratory investigations including Out-of-Specification (OOS), Out-of-Trend (OOT), CAPA investigations, proficiency testing, and internal audits.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and laboratory quality systems.
• Support expansion of GC-MS analytical capabilities for future regulated cannabis testing.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and a safe working environment.
• Meet laboratory turnaround time goals while maintaining the highest standards of scientific quality and data 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 GC-MS instrumentation.
• Experience performing qualitative and quantitative analyses using mass spectrometry.
• Strong understanding of chromatographic separation, mass spectral interpretation, and quantitative analytical chemistry.
• Experience performing routine analyses using validated analytical methods.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Cannabis or hemp analytical testing
• Terpene analysis
• Agilent 7890A, 7890B, or 8890 Gas Chromatography systems
• Agilent 5975, 5977, or equivalent Mass Selective Detector (MSD)
• Agilent MassHunter Acquisition and Quantitative Analysis software
• GC-MS method development and optimization
• Mass spectral library searching and compound identification
• Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis
• Residual solvent or flavor/fragrance analysis
• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Method validation and analytical method development
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Technical Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess experience with:

• GC-MS instrumentation and troubleshooting
• Electron Ionization (EI) mass spectrometry
• Mass spectral interpretation
• Retention time and ion ratio confirmation
• Quantitative calibration and standard preparation
• Instrument tuning and performance verification
• Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Analytical balances, pipettes, and volumetric techniques
• Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong analytical and scientific problem-solving skills
• Curiosity and a passion for analytical instrumentation
• Commitment to producing accurate, defensible analytical data
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting turnaround time expectations
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement and laboratory excellence

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive laboratory procedures, including pipetting and sample preparation.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to distinguish chromatographic peaks and interpret analytical data.

Why Join ChRi Laboratories?

Joining ChRi Laboratories means becoming part of a growing team dedicated to scientific excellence, innovation, and regulatory compliance. You will work with advanced analytical instrumentation in a collaborative environment that values technical expertise, quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. This role provides the opportunity to build and expand GC-MS analytical capabilities while supporting Minnesota's regulated cannabis and hemp industries.

If you are passionate about gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and producing 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