Laboratory Chemist

OVERVIEW

Are you looking for a job that's both challenging and fun? Join our dynamic team as a Laboratory Chemist in the exciting and ever-evolving New Jersey medical and adult-use cannabis industry. The Laboratory Chemist is responsible and accountable for laboratory instrumentation and testing methodologies, quality control performance and the safe handling, accurate recording and timely testing of cannabis and cannabis products.

LABORATORY CHEMIST QUALIFICATIONS:

• 21+ years old and subject to applicable employment requirements for the state of New Jersey for cannabis businesses.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must have a Bachelor of Science (BS) in a natural science, including but not limited to biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental, food or forensic sciences, plus two years of relevant, method-specific laboratory experience OR; have an associate’s degree in natural science, as described above, plus four years of relevant, method-specific laboratory experience.
• Must have demonstrated ability for consistent peer leadership, personnel training and development organization of workflow and execution of organizational Quality indicators.
• Must demonstrate current knowledge and consistent execution of regulatory and accreditation requirements applicable to the analytical department.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with co-workers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Proficiently utilize Microsoft Word and Excel, and other laboratory information management systems.
• Work in a timely manner, while striving to improve quality and maintain accuracy during all laboratory activities.
• Follows organizational policies and procedures for laboratory operations and comply with all state-specified rules and regulations for cannabis licenses, cannabis transport and cannabis testing, as applicable.
• Responsible for accurate measurements and documentation of all cannabis and cannabis materials, including sample weights/volumes, compliant cannabis tracking and destruction, and completion of supporting laboratory documentation.
• Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) for the completion of laboratory logs, forms, worksheets, or other documentation.
• Maintain current competency, including ongoing training and professional development to understand industry knowledge, recognizing analytical trends and understanding best practices through the consistent review of both internal and external cannabis and cannabis adjacent resources.
• Assists Laboratory Assistants and Laboratory Technicians with the performance of sample intake and accessioning, and non-analytical test methods (foreign material, water activity, moisture content, etc.), as needed.
• Independently conducts, assesses and appropriately records, test method and instrument performance measures including: a. Preparation of samples and reagents necessary for maintaining laboratory workflow, as described in precursory job descriptions. b. Daily test method performance, pursuant to organizational quality controls and applicable regulatory requirements. c. Area and instrument cleaning and maintenance. d. Equipment calibration and preliminary troubleshooting. e. Coordination with external vendors for the timely submission and management of service tickets. f. Scheduling appropriate preventative maintenance within required intervals. g. Equipment and method validations or verifications, including compliance documentation, as necessary to support the laboratory.
• Analyzes laboratory testing data and submits completed data, as described below, to the Laboratory Director, and/or their Designee, for review. Completed data analysis, at the Laboratory Chemist level includes a review of acquired testing data for conformance to: a. Strict adherence to standard operating procedures and test methods, as written. b. Expected matrix performance within the test method. c. Expected product-specific formulary or label claims within the test method. d. Appropriate unit(s) of measure per sample matrix, within the test method. e. Applicable regulatory requirements, including appropriate record retention of Quality Control information, to support the release of the analytical batch. f. Organizational Quality Control standards for the release of the analytical batch. g. Reviews and documents test results and quality controls within the laboratory information management system (LIMs), including the conformance of laboratory results as stated above.
• Maintains full competency and a proven ability to successfully train additional staff within the test method(s) including: a. Sample collection, intake and homogeneity. b. Sample preparation across all applicable matrices. c. Reagent preparation, including safe handling, storage and disposal. d. Daily performance checks of applicable analytical equipment and method test parameters. e. Regular instrument cleaning and preventative maintenance for applicable analytical equipment. f. Basic troubleshooting of testing methodologies including all items listed within this sub-section.
• Successful performance of proficiency testing samples, as defined by the testing provider, at intervals compliant with the laboratory’s Quality programming and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assists in internal audit activities, including appropriate documentation of auditing activities as required by standard operating procedures.
• Assists in the development of future laboratory testing methods, as needed.
• Provides recommendations on process improvement or method efficiencies, as identified.
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned by Management, which may include cannabis sampling and transport.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent contacts and interruptions during the day.
• Video and/or audio surveillance for security purposes where laboratory activities are performed.
• Use of personal protection equipment to limit exposure to chemicals or other hazards found within a laboratory environment.
• Potential exposure to loud noises, fumes, or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently standing, sitting, walking, reaching with arms and hands, use of hands, talking and hearing.
• Occasionally stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and lifting or moving up to 40lbs.
• Visual capabilities include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.

WORK HOURS:

• Monday-Friday

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What aspects of this position appeal to you the most and why do you believe you are a good fit for this position?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Laboratory: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• East Hanover, NJ 07936 (Required)

Work Location: In person