Sampling Specialist / Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Sampling Specialist (Cannabis Testing Sample Collection & Transportation) / Laboratory Technician

Company Summary

Anthea Labs is a NJ state licensed analytical testing laboratory serving the regulated cannabis and hemp industry. We are committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and defensible laboratory results that ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection. Our organization operates in accordance with state cannabis regulatory agencies and international quality standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.

As a fast-growing, quality-driven company, we foster a culture of integrity, scientific excellence, subject matter expertise and customer partnership. Our team members are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in compliance, safety, and service across all markets in which we operate.

Position Summary

The Sampling Specialist is responsible for performing routine field sampling, chain of custody control in the state portal METRC and the lab LIMs, secure identification and transportation of state samples, client schedule coordination, sample intake, sample invoicing, and regulatory compliance activities for cannabis and cannabis-derived products submitted for laboratory testing.

This role ensures sample integrity from collection through laboratory intake and supports quality assurance initiatives aligned with state regulations and ISO-17025 standards. The Sampling Specialist operates independently in the field while maintaining close collaboration with laboratory leadership, quality assurance personnel, and business development teams.

There will also be expanded training for the specialist, regarding secondary responsibilities in support of basic lab maintenance and operations. They will contribute towards the successful completion of departmental initiatives, as well as expanding opportunities for a growing company.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Field Sampling & Transportation

• Perform sampling according to the Standard Operating Practices (SOP) for cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, infused products, and intermediate materials.
• Confirm competency in aseptic technique and sample handling, as well as competency in operating a mobile balance for sample weighing. 
• Collect representative samples using the provided equipment and standardized methods.
• Monitor environmental conditions during transport (temperature, humidity) to preserve sample integrity.
• Securely transport samples to the laboratory while adhering to state-mandated security and tracking requirements.
• Maintain strict chain-of-custody documentation and labeling for every sample collected.
• Ensure compliance with all state cannabis regulatory requirements and internal SOPs.

Sample Intake & Documentation

• Accurately log samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Verify sample labeling, METRC information, and required documentation upon receipt.
• Maintain detailed records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintain client account information in the LIMs, if new accounts are needed

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Assist in maintaining sampling programs aligned with the established ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
• Participate in internal audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Review, and assist in updatingsampling SOPs to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives as needed, including client complaint and feedback reports.

Equipment & Operational Support

• Perform routine equipment checks and basic instrument operations, including routine maintenance visits for the company vehicle.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and minor troubleshooting of sampling tools and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of equipment, sampling kits, vehicles, and workspaces.
• Monitor and restock sampling consumables and supplies.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling samples.

Client Relations & Communication

• Serve as a professional representative of the company during client site visits.
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding sampling requirements and procedures, as well as sampling schedule availability.
• Provide punctual service for sampling appointments, based on client confirmed schedules and locations in NJ
• Provide updates to leadership on sample volume, turnaround times, and operational metrics.
• Provide updates to the lab regarding any sample notes from the clients

Lab Operations Support

· Has experience in basic good lab practices or experience with cross-contamination prevention (healthcare/foodservice/custodial), including aseptic technique, and cleanup procedures

· Record all work accurately and legibly on controlled lab logs, as well as all reporting systems: METRC, LIMS, QMS

· Maintain constant control of lab test samples including logging, storage, labeling, and disposal

• Routine maintenance of laboratory environment and tools, to include controlled waste disposal, cleaning and autoclaving for sanitation

· Report any deviations and/or nonconformities regarding clients, samples, etc to Lab Director

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

· Able to handle liquid or solid lab waste up to 50 lbs, while wearing appropriate PPE 

· Additional duties as needed

Working Conditions

• Frequent driving solo via company car to cultivation, manufacturing, and processing clients, to return to the lab with samples same day.
• Operation of company vehicle; valid driver’s license required.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and repetitive tasks.
• Exposure to cultivation, warehouse, and laboratory environments.
• Exposure to controlled laboratory waste. 
• Must wear required PPE, including non-latex gloves.
• Regular entry and exit from vehicle multiple times per day, with a large wheeled sampling kit.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a natural or physical science preferred.
• 1–2 years of laboratory, field sampling, transportation, or regulated industry experience preferred.
• Documented training and/or experience in sampling and transportation procedures.
• Strong working knowledge of cross-contamination and chain-of-custody practices.
• Understanding of state cannabis regulations and compliance requirements.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and data entry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.

· You are a fast learner, self-starter, mature, personable, and relates well to people at all levels.

· Experience performing basic laboratory work preferred (educational experience acceptable)

· Required to pass competency testing and proficiency testing in relevant processes for aseptic technique, cleaning and use of weighing balances

· Comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic startup environment

Preferred Experience

• Cannabis industry experience
• Professional driving experience
• Experience with state METRC portal
• Experience using Microsoft excel or LIMS software
• Quality assurance or regulatory compliance background
• Customer service experience in a regulated industry
• Experience with aseptic technique or cross-contamination prevention practivces

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $20 per hour

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement or company vehicle (as applicable)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Anthea Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy

Work Location: In person 

· Parsippany, NJ 07054: Relocate before starting work (Required) 

Part-time to Full-time