Job Description
The ANALYTICAL CHEMIST, employed by KAIROS LABS LLC as the Employer of Record, will work: on-site or travel during day shift, full-time Monday through Friday and weekends as needed. This role is responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of cannabis products by conducting analytical testing mandated by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA).
The ideal candidate will have a strong background with Agilent equipment, instrumental analysis, routine instrument maintenance/troubleshooting, regulatory compliance, and cannabis-industry experience. The Analyst will be expected to learn all analytical testing steps and routine maintenance for:
- HPLC-DAD
- HPLC-MS/MS
- GC-MS
- GC(HS)-MS
- GC-MS/MS
- ICP-MS
They will be trained to analyze all chemical tests, perform initial/peer data review, and import results to a LIMS system. This candidate must follow stringent protocols set forth by the testing laboratory to meet all CRA and ISO 17025:2017 requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Duties:
- Receive and accession samples into laboratory information management software (LIMS) and state of MI compliance software (Metrc).
- Removing samples from packaging, weigh, split and batch samples as needed for multiple downstream tests, and capture images.
- Follows routine tasks accurately and follows written methodologies in order to carry out sample extractions.
- Follows and fulfills analytical preparation duties for various assays, including potency, pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents, terpenes, and other analytes per laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Interprets QA/QC and sample result data using basic math, interpretive, and analytical skills.
- Adheres to strict guidelines on documentation while recording data.
- Responsible for various laboratory support activities, including but not limited to, consumable and sample inventory, record-keeping, sample disposal, and cleaning.
- Completes routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting on instruments and equipment.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other scientists on validations, calibrations, and overall scientific maintenance on HPLC MS/MS; GC, GC/MS and ICP-MS instruments.
- Performs other tasks as specified by the manager/director.
Compliance and Safety Duties:
- Ensures compliance with all regulatory agency requirements through documentation, audits, and corrective and preventive actions.
- Participates in the development of new SOPs and validations.
- Performs quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of data.
- Participates in developing and updating SOPs and databases to accurately reflect the current practices.
- Participates in monitoring and auditing activities and investigations, and implementing quality improvement processes, as required.
- Maintains an updated understanding and knowledge of the methods employed in the laboratory.
- Complies with applicable legal requirements, standards, and procedures including, but not limited to, those within the Compliance Process, Code of Conduct, and State.
- Ensures timely and accurate reporting and responses to compliance-related issues and assists with implementation of corrective action plans related to such issues.
- Reports concerns and suspected incidences of non-compliance to the Compliance Officer and/or Laboratory Director
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, agricultural, environmental, or related sciences from an accredited college or university is required with 1-2+ years of related experience, OR Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field from an accredited college or university with 2+ years of relevant cannabis laboratory experience. Candidates with experience in a production laboratory environment will be given preference.
- Experience with cannabis science and/or separation science (LC, GC, MS, ICP) is highly preferred.
- 2-4 years of post-bachelor experience in analytical chemistry, preferred
Skills
- Excellent mechanical pipetting skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to learn new computer applications is essential. Experience working with a LIMS is preferred.
- Experience working in a regulated environment such as EPA, CLIA, CAP, NELAC, DOD, etc. is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with biochemistry and molecular biology techniques is a plus.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Self-motivated, results oriented, creative thinker, detail oriented, focused on continuous development, and effective time-management skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Demands
- Extensive sitting and computer use.
- Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours.
- Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers.
- Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crouch.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Requirements
- Must be comfortable handling cannabis products
- Must meet all listed qualifications above
- Must be 21+ years old
- Ability to pass a criminal background check.
- Ability to commute to Kairos Labs in Warren, Michigan.
- Ability to relocate near Warren, Michigan before starting work.
- Reliable vehicle to drive to and from work.
- Physical ability to perform typical office tasks, including sitting, standing, and using computer equipment.
- Physical ability to lift 25-50 lbs.
- Language: English
- Work authorization: United States
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
KAIROS LABS LLC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or veteran status.