QA Laboratory Analyst I or II

State of Oklahoma; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 67,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, is seeking a QA Laboratory Analyst I or II to perform manual and automated quality control and analyze cannabis samples within OMMA's Quality Assurance Laboratory. The position is full-time and state-governed, with salary between $67,000 and $72,000, dependent on education and experience.

Level I requires a bachelor's degree in biological or physical science; Level II requires a master’s or a bachelor’s plus two years' lab experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science required for Level I.
• Master’s degree or bachelor’s with two years experience for Level II.
• Knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and related lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing in chemistry and/or microbiology of cannabis samples for QA purposes.
• Perform internal and external quality control testing and required calibrations.
• Review data for adherence to OMMA rules and regulation related to laboratory testing.
• Communicate issues to QA Director and QA Manager.

Skills

Microbiological techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Quality control testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science

Master’s degree in biological or physical sciences

Tools

Laboratory information management system

Gas chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Job Posting Title

QA Laboratory Analyst I or II

Agency

455 OK MEDICAL MARIJUANA AUTHORITY

Supervisory Organization

455 OK Medical Marijuana Authority

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Level I: $67,000

Level II: $72,000

Job Description

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is seeking a full-time QA Laboratory I or II. This is a state position governed by the Civil Service Rules, in state government located in Oklahoma City, OK. OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position is $67,000 to $72,000 based on education and experience.

Every position at OMMA brings an opportunity to build out new policies and procedures using innovative and creative problem-solving. With any opportunity, challenges rear their heads. Candidates must be willing to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges in order to succeed at OMMA. We are an agency that will not settle for status quo or complacency. Candidates must be willing to work hard to help OMMA be the best at what we are entrusted to do.

If this sounds like a challenge you are willing to take on, we look forward to reviewing your application!

Basic Purpose

This position is within the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s (OMMA) Quality Assurance Laboratory. The QA Laboratory Analyst II performs manual and automated quality control, proficiency testing, and analysis of unknown samples. This position makes decisions regarding the validity of testing results, instrument performance and quality control acceptability for testing performed in-house. Additionally, this position evaluates the validity of testing results performed by the licensed commercial laboratories and works closely with the Laboratory Compliance team to ensure regulatory alignment and data integrity.

Typical Functions

The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit and organization, but may include the following:

• Performs testing in chemistry and/or microbiology of varying complexity using standard procedures on cannabis samples for the purpose of providing information for quality assurance of the industry.
• Performs internal and external quality control testing and required calibrations.
• Evaluates calibration and quality control analysis for accuracy and precision.
• Evaluates sample suitability.
• Performs instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Reviews data and information from various sources for adherence to OMMA rules and regulation related to laboratory testing and licensed testing laboratories.
• Provides analysis of Medical Marijuana and Medical Marijuana Product testing compliance data and technical information, identifies potential problems, offers advice, and provides solutions; seeks clarification of issues and provides feedback; makes recommendations to OMMA Science department leadership team.
• Communicates any issues to the QA Director and QA Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education And Experience

Level I

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, or a closely related field.

Level II

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus two years of experience performing clinical analytical and/or environmental laboratory testing.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Level I

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of basic principles and practical applications of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and/or related laboratory specialties; and of the hazards of laboratory activities and related safety practices.

Ability is required to perform basic microbiological, immunological, molecular and/or biochemical techniques; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow instructions and to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Level II

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of basic principles and practical applications of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and/or related laboratory specialties; of the hazards of laboratory activities and related safety practices; of modern laboratory analysis techniques of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and/or related laboratory specialties; and of principles of laboratory quality control.

Ability is required to perform basic microbiological, immunological, molecular and/or biochemical techniques; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow instructions and to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to interpret laboratory tests, in context of controls and calibrators; to assess acceptability of specimens/samples for testing; to operate analytical equipment; to perform minor troubleshooting of test methods; and to review the work related to testing performed by other laboratory staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience utilizing a laboratory information management system
• Two years of experience with Gas and/or liquid chromatography, microbiology or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is typically performed in both an office setting and laboratory setup for required benchwork in climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise level experiencing long periods of sitting or standing. While performing the duties of the job, employee will encounter hazardous chemicals in controlled environments and will have the ability to wear impermeable clothing and footwear for the duration of the work period. The employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, bend, and squat. Employee must also be able to meet the physical requirements of lifting/carrying up to 40lbs. PLEASE NOTE: You are ineligible for OMMA employment if you are: an individual that has a direct or indirect interest in a licensed medical marijuana business; an individual who has or whose spouse, parent, child, spouse of a child, sibling, or spouse of a sibling has an application for a medical marijuana business license pending before the Department; a member of the board of directors of a medical marijuana business; or an individual financially interested in any licensee or medical marijuana business.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.