RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I

California State Department of Cannabis Control; Concord (CA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

California State Department of Cannabis Control is seeking a Chemical Sciences Unit Supervisor to oversee laboratory staff and ensure compliance with testing standards. The role supports the department’s mission to regulate commercial cannabis activity while safeguarding public health and the environment within California.

The supervisor will guide analytical method development, proficiency testing, and SOP creation, reporting results, and mentoring team members across the Cannabis Testing

Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; manage resources, workload, and performance; ensure compliance with policies, contracts, and regulations; provide scientific guidance on cannabis testing standards.
• Lead complex multidisciplinary research; develop, validate, and implement analytical methods; analyze data and publish findings.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures; prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations; establish standards and guidelines for cannabis safety.
• Review and approve analytical records prior to release of results.

Job description

Job Posting

Chemical Sciences Unit Supervisor

Department

Department of Cannabis Control

Salary

$9,578.00 - $12,343.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date

10/29/2026

Job Description and Duties

Looking for exciting, dynamic, and impactful work in a growing industry? The Department of Cannabis Control is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual that wants to work in a multi-tasking environment. The Department's mission is to develop and implement progressive cannabis policies and license and regulate commercial cannabis activity in a way that best protects public health, safety, the environment, and local communities throughout the State of California.

Under the direction of the Research Scientist (RS) Supervisor II of the Cannabis Testing Laboratory Office (Office), in the Laboratory Services Branch (Branch), part of the Compliance Division (Division), within the Department of Cannabis Control (Department), the RS Supervisor I of the Chemical Sciences Unit (Unit) will provide supervision of the RS staff within the Unit and will support the Department's mission and strategic plan by conducting laboratory work, proficiency test samples analysis in an assigned region; however, may be required to conduct business throughout the State of California (State).

Are you ready for a career at the nexus of public health, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance, where your expertise will be pivotal in shaping the future of the cannabis industry? Join the Department of Cannabis Control as a Research Scientist Supervisor I (Chemical Sciences) and apply your scientific rigor to ensure the highest standards of safety and accuracy in our state.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; manage resources, workload, and performance; ensure compliance with policies, contracts, and regulations; provide scientific guidance on cannabis testing standards.
• Lead complex multidisciplinary research; develop, validate, and implement analytical methods; analyze data and publish findings.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures; prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations; establish standards and guidelines for cannabis safety.
• Review and approve analytical records prior to release of results.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-535289
• Position #(s): 592-361-5643-XXX, 592-361-5643-001
• Working Title: Chemical Sciences Unit Supervisor
• Classification: RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I
• Salary: $9,578.00 - $12,343.00
• New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
• # of Positions: Multiple
• Work Location: Contra Costa County
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Do you enjoy a fast-paced workplace? Are you interested in a ground floor opportunity? The Department of Cannabis Control is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual that wants to work in a multi-tasking environment. The Department's mission is to develop and implement progressive cannabis policies and license and regulate commercial cannabis activity in a way that best protects public health, safety, the environment, and local communities throughout the State of California.

Department Website: https://cannabis.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Conflict of Interest (COI) - This position is subject to COI Regulations. The incumbent is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1st, and within 30 days of leaving office.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).