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-level position within the Division of Cannabis Regulation’s Section for Compliance and Enforcement, 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 part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment and will assist the Division in developing and improving the regulatory program to ensure that Missourians have safe access to cannabis. The Cannabis Research Scientist plays a crucial role in staying up-to-date with laboratory operations, testing methods, and research techniques focused on cannabis. This expertise allows them to provide valuable recommendations aimed at enhancing the Division’s rules and standards for testing and researching cannabis products, ultimately ensuring that safe products are accessible to patients and consumers.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

• Assist the bureau in creating and developing the 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.
• Assist the bureau 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.
• Assist the bureau in developing, implementing, and reviewing the interlab comparison program.
• 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 research and engage 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 assist bureau staff with the application of these standards; actively engage and coordinate with ISO 17025 accrediting bodies regarding accreditation standards and applicable rules, regulations, and law.
• Assist the bureau 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.

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.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

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 .

Ashley Davis - ashley.davis@health.mo.gov or 573-751-8827

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• State of Missouri

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