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Cannabis R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R & D Manager

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Ensure projects remain on schedule and within defined scope Requirements Required Experience * 4-8+ years of commercial cannabis cultivation, horticulture, agronomy, greenhouse production, or ...

Cannabis Lab Lead

Otsego, MN · On-site

$26.50/hr

At Vireo Health, we're not just another cannabis company-we're a movement. Founded by physicians and driven by innovation, we blend science, technology, and passion to create top-tier cannabis ...

Growing medical and recreational cannabis manufacturers on the East Coast. Our mission is simple ... Life Insurance AD&D * 401K * DCM Product/Merch Discounts * Paid Time Off * Competitive pay

As a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, our roots run deep and our sights are set high. If you ... Other duties in post-processing production, packaging, labeling and R & D as required. What we're ...

At TerrAscend, we don't just grow cannabis -- we grow possibility. Whether it's cultivating top ... Other duties in post-processing production, packaging, labeling and R & D as required. What we're ...

At TerrAscend, we don't just grow cannabis -- we grow possibility. Whether it's cultivating top ... Other duties in post-processing production, packaging, labeling and R & D as required. What we're ...

Attorney

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$7.9K - $10K/mo

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) - Title 11, section 703 (d) of the California Code of ... Department of Cannabis Control HRB Attn: C&R - JC# 522865, FFD 7/17/2026 P.O. Box 419106 Rancho ...

... R amp;D center housed within a state-of-the-art facility designed for innovation and precision. Explore more about us at ikrusher.com. Position Overview We are seeking a Cannabis Vaping Product ...

Trim Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

E.D. equivalent required. * Knowledge of the cannabis plant. * Knowledge and understanding of ... R.S. §36-2801.10 * Must consent to a criminal background check performed by the Company and/or the ...

Trim Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

E.D. equivalent required. * Knowledge of the cannabis plant. * Knowledge and understanding of ... R.S. §36-2801.10 * Must consent to a criminal background check performed by the Company and/or the ...

Packaging Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

E.D. equivalent required. * Knowledge of the cannabis plant. * Knowledge and understanding of ... R.S. §36-2801.10 * Must consent to a criminal background check performed by the Company and/or the ...

E.D. equivalent required. * Knowledge of the cannabis plant. * Knowledge and understanding of ... R.S. §36-2801.10 * Must consent to a criminal background check performed by the Company and/or the ...

Budtender

Waterford, MI · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

This position is ideal for someone with cannabis industry experience who enjoys helping customers, providing product guidance, and creating a welcoming retail experience. Responsibilities As a ...

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Cannabis R D information

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How much do cannabis r&d jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cannabis r&d in the United States is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cannabis R&D Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cannabis R&D Specialist, you need a solid background in plant science, chemistry, or related fields, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or horticulture. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC or GC-MS), and regulatory compliance certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong collaboration skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are critical for ensuring product safety, innovation, and regulatory adherence in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.

What is the difference between Cannabis R&D vs Cannabis Cultivation Specialist?

AspectCannabis R&DCannabis Cultivation Specialist
CredentialsScience or horticulture degrees, research certificationsHorticulture, agriculture, or cultivation certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, controlled environmentsGrow rooms, outdoor farms, cultivation facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, product development companiesLicensed cultivation facilities, dispensaries
Search & Comparison IntentResearch, product innovation, scientific developmentPlant care, crop yield, cultivation techniques

While Cannabis R&D focuses on scientific research, product development, and innovation within controlled environments, Cannabis Cultivation Specialists are primarily involved in growing and maintaining cannabis plants in farms or grow rooms. Both roles require industry-specific knowledge but differ in their focus—research versus hands-on cultivation.

What is Cannabis R&D?

Cannabis R&D (Research and Development) refers to the scientific process of studying, innovating, and improving cannabis plants, products, and technologies. This field includes activities such as developing new strains, optimizing cultivation methods, enhancing extraction techniques, and formulating new cannabis-based products for medical or recreational use. Cannabis R&D professionals may work in laboratories, greenhouses, or production facilities, often collaborating with scientists, engineers, and regulatory experts to ensure product safety, efficacy, and compliance. The goal is to advance knowledge about cannabis and create high-quality, reliable products for consumers.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Cannabis R&D, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Cannabis R&D often encounter challenges related to regulatory compliance, variability in plant genetics, and rapidly evolving scientific standards. Navigating state and federal regulations requires staying updated on legal requirements and maintaining meticulous documentation. Additionally, working with a living plant means managing genetic inconsistencies and ensuring reproducible results, which can be addressed by implementing rigorous quality control measures and standardized protocols. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as cultivation, extraction, and quality assurance, is key to overcoming these challenges and driving successful research outcomes.
More about Cannabis R D jobs
What job categories do people searching Cannabis R&D jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cannabis R&D jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cannabis R&D job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,500 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
R & D Manager

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description
What You Will Own
  • Oversee companywide applied cultivation research initiatives
  • Design and execute cultivar trials and environmental trials
  • Partner with Propagation, Cultivation, Processing, and Sales teams to establish research goals aligned with production and business objectives
  • Maintain a centralized system for tracking trial data and results
  • Collect, organize, and analyze plant performance data (yield, potency, vigor, plant health, and consistency)
  • Identify opportunities to improve quality, yield, and operational efficiency
  • Translate research findings into actionable cultivation recommendations
  • Present findings and recommendations to operational leadership and decision makers
  • Standardize documentation and protocols for research across facilities
  • Ensure projects remain on schedule and within defined scope

Requirements
Required Experience
  • 4-8+ years of commercial cannabis cultivation, horticulture, agronomy, greenhouse production, or production agriculture experience
  • Hands-on experience designing or running plant trials (cultivar testing, nutrient trials, propagation trials, environmental trials, or yield studies) in a commercial or academic setting.
  • Experience collecting and interpreting plant performance data
  • Experience working cross-functionally with operations or production teams
  • Demonstrated ability to turn observations into practical operational improvements

Strongly Preferred
  • Experience evaluating new genetics or cultivars for commercial production
  • Experience standardizing cultivation practices or SOPs across multiple rooms or facilities
  • Experience in multi-site or large-scale cultivation environments
  • Experience with environmental monitoring systems, irrigation systems, or cultivation software platforms
  • Experience working in regulated agriculture or regulated manufacturing environments

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Botany, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field required.

Technical Knowledge & Skills
  • Understanding of plant physiology and growth cycles
  • Nutrient management concepts (EC, pH, fertigation principles)
  • Environmental control variables (lighting intensity, irrigation strategies, airflow, VPD concepts)
  • Integrated Pest Management fundamentals
  • Data collection, documentation, and comparative analysis
  • Ability to clearly communicate findings to non-scientific operational teams
  • Proficiency with Excel or similar data analysis tools

Helpful But Not Required
  • Familiarity with METRC or regulated cultivation tracking systems
  • Experience building or maintaining research or cultivation databases

Certifications (Nice to Have)
  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or related coursework
  • Greenhouse or commercial agriculture training
  • IPM or pest management coursework
  • OSHA safety training