Innovation Formula Technician

Under the guidance of the VP of Innovation, the Formula Technician will assist with the development of best-in-class, science driven cannabis products for Curio Wellness and our licensed brand partners. Product categories that the technician will support include, but are not limited to edibles, beverages, tinctures, tablets, vapes (Distillate/Rosin/ Resin), pre-rolls (infused and not infused), concentrates. Working under cGMP and State Regulations, the Formula Technician 1 will be involved in benchtop rendering, prototype development, product testing and analysis to ensure stability, safety and efficacy. This person will also be responsible for maintaining the cGMP and 5S status of the Innovation Suite as well as ordering raw materials, packaging and all other materials for the upkeep and for new launches as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Formula & Flavor Development: Assist senior R&D personnel with the development of formulas and flavors for a variety of products including tablets, topicals, infused pre-rolls, flower, and beverages.
• Benchtop Sample Development: Execute day-to-day formulation of benchtop samples and product prototypes for all categories, ensuring that formulations align with the product brief, brand ethics, stability, scalability, manufacturing capabilities, and state regulations.
• Testing & Evaluation: Support the creation and implementation of testing protocols to evaluate product stability, safety, efficacy, and quality. Analyze test results and adjust formulations as needed to meet specifications.
• Compatibility Testing: Support compatibility testing in collaboration with the Packaging Engineer to ensure product integrity and packaging suitability.
• Flavor Development Support: Assist with the development and refinement of flavors to meet product specifications.
• Project Coordination: Ensure that product trials are completed within the required timelines, managing logistics and timing for submission trials to meet project demands.
• Technology & Ingredient Exploration: Test new technologies and ingredients, supporting the scouting of innovative options and contributing to "skunk works" (early-stage, experimental projects).
• cGMP & 5S Maintenance: Maintain the Innovation Suite to ensure it meets current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and 5S qualifications, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
• Documentation: Complete all required technical documentation accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring thorough record-keeping and compliance.
• Collaboration with External Partners: Work with external consultants and experts as necessary to support product development initiatives.
• Licensing Support: Assist the Product Licensing team in setting up external licensing partners' facilities, developing SOPs, and training manufacturing staff at these locations. Support IP protection trials as required.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Procurement, Cultivation, Sales, and Marketing, as needed for successful product development.
• Facility & Hygiene Management: Ensure the daily operations, hygiene, and equipment set-up of the lab space are maintained to high standards, implementing best practices in formulation and development while adhering to regulatory guidelines for Medical/Adult Use Cannabis, Pharmaceuticals, and Nutraceuticals.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: As a member of the Product Innovation team, safeguard confidential information, including intellectual property (formulations, recipes, processes, and ingredients), ensuring integrity in the protection of sensitive data.

• Hands-on Experience: At least 1 year of demonstrated experience in a manufacturing or formula laboratory environment, preferably within the pharmaceuticals, supplements, food, beverage, or candy industries.
• Cannabis Industry Expertise: Experience formulating cannabis edibles, topicals, tablets, beverages, or vapes, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment or a similarly regulated field producing products for human consumption (e.g., pharmaceuticals or health supplements).
• LEAN Manufacturing Knowledge: Solid understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles and their application in a production environment.
• Lab Equipment Proficiency: Experience operating lab-scale mixing equipment and analytical/testing apparatus.
• Numeracy Skills: High degree of numeracy, with a focus on batch calculations and accurate formula management.
• Food Chemistry & Microbiology Expertise: Strong knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing techniques related to product formulation.
• Task Management & Multitasking: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality formulations.
• Attention to Detail: Excellent organizational skills, with an ability to maintain accurate production/formula logs, ingredient lot numbers, and other essential records.
• Adherence to SOPs: Ability to logically follow written instructions, SOPs, and procedures with a high degree of accuracy.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting and critical thinking abilities to address production issues and make effective decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Comfortable working with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Cultivation, Sales, and Marketing.
• Self-Starter: Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, maintaining focus and productivity in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

EDUCATION:

• Background in cannabis, food/beverage sector, dietary supplement or pharmaceutical formula development
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Sciences, Technology or Chemistry preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to finger or feel, use finger dexterity, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and lift a maximum of 25 lbs.

TRAVEL:

• Ability to travel 50% as required, including overnight stays

Curio Wellness is an Equal Opportunity Employer Curio Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Must be 21 years old.

As a condition of employment, all Curio Wellness employees must comply with the State of Maryland requirements which include providing a copy of your fingerprints in the required format and consenting to an FBI Background Check.