LCMS Laboratory Chemist

Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Able to meet Michigan State cannabis industry requirements.
• Have 2 years of full-time, post-academic, LCMS experience.
• Have at minimum, a bachelor's degree in a natural science, to include, but not be limited to, biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.
• Preferred: Experience working on an Agilent LCMS within a clinical or toxicology-based laboratory setting, or an agricultural / environmental laboratory performing pesticide residue analysis; Peer leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate measurement and documentation of all cannabis and cannabis materials, including sample weights/volumes, compliant cannabis tracking and destruction, and completion of supporting laboratory documentation with adherence to Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• 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.
• Maintain full competency within the LCMS test method(s) including sample collection, intake, and homogeneity. Sample preparation across all applicable matrices and reagent preparation, including safe handling, storage, and disposal.
• Run daily performance checks of analytical equipment and method test parameters.
• Run regular instrument cleaning and preventative maintenance for applicable analytical equipment.
• Oversee and direct Laboratory Assistants and Laboratory Technicians assisting with the LCMS workflow, as directed by Laboratory Management.
• Comply with all state-specified rules and regulations for cannabis licenses, cannabis transport and cannabis testing, as applicable.
• Follow organizational policies and procedures for laboratory operations.

Essential Duties

• Conduct, assess, and appropriately record, LCMS test methods (including pesticides and mycotoxins) and instrument performance measures which include: Preparing samples and reagents necessary for maintaining laboratory workflow, as described in precursory job descriptions.
• Perform daily test methods, pursuant to organizational quality controls and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Clean and maintain work area and instrument.
• Perform calibration and preliminary troubleshooting of equipment.
• Coordinate with external vendors for the timely submission and management of service tickets.
• Schedule appropriate preventative maintenance within required intervals.
• Perform equipment and method verifications, including compliance documentation, as necessary, to support the laboratory.
• Analyze LCMS pesticide and mycotoxin data and submit completed data analysis to the Laboratory Director for review.
• Review and document all test results and quality controls within the laboratory information management system (LIMs), including the conformance of laboratory results as stated above.
• Successfully perform proficiency testing samples, as defined by the testing provider, at intervals compliant with the laboratory's Quality programming and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assist in internal audit activities for the LCMS workflow, including appropriate documentation of auditing activities as required by standard operating procedures.
• Assist in the development of future laboratory testing methods, if needed.
• Provide recommendations on process improvement or method efficiencies, as identified.
• Assist 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.
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned by Management, which may include cannabis sampling and transport.