QA Laboratory Analyst I or II

This is a full-time, regular state position governed by the Civil Service Rules, located in Oklahoma City, OK. The annual salary for this position is $67,000 (Level I) or $72,000 (Level II) based on education and experience.

About the role

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is seeking a QA Laboratory Analyst I or II to perform quality control, proficiency testing, and analysis of cannabis samples. This role evaluates testing results, instrument performance, and quality control acceptability for in-house testing, as well as results from licensed commercial laboratories. The position works closely with the Laboratory Compliance team to ensure regulatory alignment and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Performs testing in chemistry and/or microbiology of varying complexity using standard procedures on cannabis samples for quality assurance.
• Conducts internal and external quality control testing and required calibrations.
• Evaluates calibration and quality control analysis for accuracy and precision.
• Assesses sample suitability for testing.
• Performs instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Reviews data and information from various sources for adherence to OMMA rules and regulations related to laboratory testing and licensed testing laboratories.
• Analyzes Medical Marijuana and Medical Marijuana Product testing compliance data, identifies potential problems, and provides solutions or recommendations to OMMA Science department leadership.
• Communicates issues to the QA Director and QA Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Level I: Bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, or a closely related field.
• Level II: Master’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field; or a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus two years of experience performing clinical analytical and/or environmental laboratory testing.

Skills

• Level I:
  • Knowledge of basic principles and practical applications of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and related laboratory specialties.
  • Knowledge of laboratory hazards and safety practices.
  • Ability to perform basic microbiological, immunological, molecular, and biochemical techniques.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to follow instructions and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Level II:
  • Knowledge of basic principles and practical applications of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and related laboratory specialties.
  • Knowledge of modern laboratory analysis techniques and principles of laboratory quality control.
  • Knowledge of laboratory hazards and safety practices.
  • Ability to perform basic microbiological, immunological, molecular, and biochemical techniques.
  • Ability to interpret laboratory tests in the context of controls and calibrators.
  • Ability to assess acceptability of specimens/samples for testing.
  • Ability to operate analytical equipment and perform minor troubleshooting of test methods.
  • Ability to review testing-related work performed by other laboratory staff.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to follow instructions and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience utilizing a laboratory information management system.
• Two years of experience with Gas and/or liquid chromatography, microbiology, or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both an office setting and a laboratory environment with exposure to moderate noise levels and long periods of sitting or standing.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals in controlled environments; requires wearing impermeable clothing and footwear for extended periods.
• Physical requirements include talking, standing, walking, reaching, bending, squatting, and lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs.

Benefits

OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

Eligibility Restrictions

You are ineligible for OMMA employment if you or a close family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling, or their spouse) have a direct or indirect interest in a licensed medical marijuana business, including pending license applications, board membership, or financial interest in any licensee or business.