Job Description

Job Description and Duties

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 II (Chemical Sciences) and apply your scientific rigor to ensure the highest standards of safety and accuracy in our state.

Under the general supervision of the Research Scientist (RS) Supervisor I (Chemical Sciences [CS]) of the Chemical Sciences Unit II (Unit), in the Cannabis Testing Laboratory Office (Office) part of the Laboratory Services Branch (Branch), in the Compliance Division (Division) within the Department of Cannabis Control (Department), RS II (CS) will plan, organize, and conduct scientific research studies of moderate scientific scope and complexity for the Department. The RS II (CS) will collaborate with Unit staff on public health projects and investigations within the in an assigned region; however, may be required to conduct business throughout the State of California (State).The RS II (CS) will act as a technical scientific consultant, provide independent, difficult decisions in a specific scientific field using established guidelines and technical scientific procedures, and adapts research methods to problems with limited scientific scope.

What you'll do:

• Develop, validate, and apply analytical methods to measure cannabinoids and detect toxins in cannabis; perform analyses using HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, etc.

• Design and conduct studies on chemical contaminants in cannabis; collaborate with senior staff on research projects; propose and evaluate analytical methods to support regulatory standards and consumer safety.

• Prepare and review laboratory reports, SOPs, validation studies, and data packages to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to quality requirements.

• Manage equipment maintenance and procurement, sample inventories, and laboratory safety practices, including waste disposal, in compliance with ISO standards.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Special Requirements

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) - Title 11, section 703 (d) of the California Code of Regulations requires criminal record checks of all personnel who have access to CORI. Pursuant to this requirement, applicants for this position will be required to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice and be cleared before hiring. In accordance to CORI procedures, clearance shall be maintained while employed in a CORI-designated position. Additionally, the position routinely works with sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of documents and topics pertaining to individuals or to sensitive program matters at all times.

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.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Instructions

If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification, please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Applicants who submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application ( STD. 678). Applicants who fail to submit the most current version may be disqualified. Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be complete with dates, duties, responsibilities, and contact information for supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in being screened out.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.  Electronic application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date. Mail application packages must be postmarked before or on the final filing date. Hand delivered application packages must be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted. 

If you have updates to your online application after you have submitted it, contact HR@cannabis.ca.gov . For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, contact (866) 844-8671.

For LEAP information, visit and .  For Veterans’ preference information, visit

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

  The SOQ serves as a documentation of your ability to present information clearly and should be no longer than two pages, using no smaller than 11 point size Arial font, and must restate and address the following question. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered for an interview.

  1. What education, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities qualify you for this position?

  2. Describe your experience working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office,

Similar Jobs