Cannabis Research Scientist

Job Location: This position will be located at 920 Wildwood Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109

Why you’ll love this position:

The Cannabis Research Scientist is a professional position that works in a Missouri industry regulating certified cannabis licensees, testing and research. This industry is new to the State of Missouri and remains in the building and implementation phase. The successful candidate will be a part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment and will assist the Division with developing and improving the regulatory program to ensure Missourians have safe access to cannabis. The Cannabis Research Scientist is responsible for maintaining an advanced degree of knowledge related to laboratory operations, testing methods, research techniques of cannabis, etc. to be able to provide recommendations to continually improve the Division’s rules and standards related to the testing and research of cannabis product to ensure safe product is available to patients and consumers.

What you’ll do:

• Assists the unit in creating and developing this new unit within the Section including systems, processes, enforcement of systems, policies, procedures, rule interpretation, industry guidance within the unit as well as the development of Department rules related to research certifications.
• Assists the unit in developing work plans and collaborating with the state reference lab for routine testing of cannabis product produced by licensees, for verification of mandatory test results of cannabis product, and for confirmation of health and safety issues.
• Must have advanced knowledge of laboratory operations including collection of sample material, method validation studies and tests, applicable equipment, analysis of results, etc.
• Must have advanced knowledge of methods for testing cannabis and is responsible for researching new methods; provides management with recommendations for rule changes or new rules, in addition to technical standards and internal policies and procedures.
• Actively researches and engages with licensees and national groups to develop standards for cannabis testing in Missouri, including best practices, trends, and potential health hazards; inform management of trends and potential health hazards including the potential impact to the program and a proposed solution.
• Must have advanced knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation standards and applicable rules, regulations, and law and assists TRU staff with the application of these standards; actively engages and coordinates with ISO 17025 accrediting bodies regarding accreditation standards and applicable rules, regulations, and law.
• Must have advanced knowledge about proficiency testing programs available in Missouri and applicable rules, regulations and law and assists TRU staff with the application of these standards; actively engages and coordinates with proficiency testing providers regarding proficiency testing programs and applicable rules, regulations, and law.
• Must have advanced knowledge about proficiency testing programs available in Missouri and applicable rules, regulations and law and assists TRU staff with the application of these standards; actively engages and coordinates with proficiency testing providers regarding proficiency testing programs and applicable rules, regulations, and law.
• Assists the unit with conducting compliance investigations related to licensees.
• Exercises considerable independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receiving general administrative direction.
• Complete related or similar duties as required or assigned.

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a scientific field of study, preferred, such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Technology, or closely related field. (Substitutions may be allowed)..
• Two (2) to four (4) years of relevant experience. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required college education.)
• Experience with laboratory operations, preferred. This includes knowledge of laboratory practices, methodologies, and analytical instruments and equipment such as HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP/MS.
• Experience with ISO/EC 17025 2017, or similar accreditation processes, preferred.
• Ability to research complex scientific topics and share information to different audiences such as policy decision makers, the public, and other scientist professionals.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and interpret complex scientific information.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with many competing priorities.
• Ability to organize and manage time efficiently.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to adapt to constant program development, change and improvement.
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills and find solutions to new situations on a regular basis.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office Suite proficiently and quickly learn specialized systems.
• Ability to maintain a hybrid work schedule that includes a work environment that is free of distractions after successful completion of training and showing proficiency in required areas of responsibilities.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

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• State of Missouri

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