What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Scientist (PSRS I). position at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment?
Department Information
Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response
This requires Colorado Residency to apply
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . and join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
Our mission… is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.
Our vision… is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
In addition to free parking, access to RTD bus lines, Cherry Creek bike path and flexible working arrangements, click the link below to review additional benefits and perks!!! https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careers
Description Of Job
The Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response (DCPHR) is the department’s lead surveillance, planning and response arm for public events including communicable disease outbreaks and epidemics, pandemics, bioterrorism, and other public health and mass casualty events and disasters. The division includes the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response; State Public Health Laboratory; Health Equity Branch, Communicable Disease Branch; Immunization Branch; Public Health Informatics, Reporting, Technology Branch; Refugee Branch; and Operations Branch. The Division exists to ensure that the Department has the ability to effectively prepare for, monitor, detect, diagnose, investigate, and nimbly respond to all types of conditions, events and disasters that impact the public’s health.
The Unit
The Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program exists to provide a technical resource for private marijuana and hemp testing facilities, marijuana and hemp product manufacturers, and the burgeoning natural medicine space. Acting as the resource for analytical method development for cannabinoids, alkaloids, pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiological contaminant analyses, the laboratory provides technical laboratory information and training to the private laboratory industry, as well as testing methodologies to increase the effectiveness of the state marijuana testing reference library. As an objective third party, the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program serves to check the accuracy of questionable or contested product testing results by providing accurate scientific data and test results. The section also provides scientific consultation and recommendations to the DOR in regards to laboratory testing as it pertains to public health and public safety. The staff work to protect public health and safety through testing services and robust method development and publication.
What You Will Be Doing
The position performs and interprets complex scientific analyses requiring a high degree of knowledge and expertise, preparing and analyzing samples to detect and quantify the presence of cannabinoids, alkaloids, pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants in cannabis and natural medicine products. The position also assists in designing and conducting validation studies, supports the implementation of new technologies, and performs routine laboratory functions to support testing activities. This position shares responsibility for maintaining lab equipment and for ensuring that samples are handled and processed following established procedures and guidelines and that prescribed quality assurance standards are maintained. This position serves as a resource within the work unit by advising and training others on how to perform processes within the work unit and participates in collaborative problem solving.
Analytical Testing
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Minimum Qualifications
An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience
Experience Only
Five (5) years of relevant experience* in in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or closely related fields
OR
Education And Experience
A combination of related education* * in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or closely-related scienc e and/or relevant experience* in in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or closely related fields equal to five (5) years
The preferred experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered in selecting the successful candidate:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .
Supplemental Information
A Complete Application Packet Must Include
You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
ADAAA Accommodations
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Dan McKenna, at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.
Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response
This requires Colorado Residency to apply
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . and join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
Our mission… is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.
Our vision… is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
In addition to free parking, access to RTD bus lines, Cherry Creek bike path and flexible working arrangements, click the link below to review additional benefits and perks!!! https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careers
Description Of Job
The Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response (DCPHR) is the department’s lead surveillance, planning and response arm for public events including communicable disease outbreaks and epidemics, pandemics, bioterrorism, and other public health and mass casualty events and disasters. The division includes the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response; State Public Health Laboratory; Health Equity Branch, Communicable Disease Branch; Immunization Branch; Public Health Informatics, Reporting, Technology Branch; Refugee Branch; and Operations Branch. The Division exists to ensure that the Department has the ability to effectively prepare for, monitor, detect, diagnose, investigate, and nimbly respond to all types of conditions, events and disasters that impact the public’s health.
The Unit
The Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program exists to provide a technical resource for private marijuana and hemp testing facilities, marijuana and hemp product manufacturers, and the burgeoning natural medicine space. Acting as the resource for analytical method development for cannabinoids, alkaloids, pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiological contaminant analyses, the laboratory provides technical laboratory information and training to the private laboratory industry, as well as testing methodologies to increase the effectiveness of the state marijuana testing reference library. As an objective third party, the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program serves to check the accuracy of questionable or contested product testing results by providing accurate scientific data and test results. The section also provides scientific consultation and recommendations to the DOR in regards to laboratory testing as it pertains to public health and public safety. The staff work to protect public health and safety through testing services and robust method development and publication.
What You Will Be Doing
The position performs and interprets complex scientific analyses requiring a high degree of knowledge and expertise, preparing and analyzing samples to detect and quantify the presence of cannabinoids, alkaloids, pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants in cannabis and natural medicine products. The position also assists in designing and conducting validation studies, supports the implementation of new technologies, and performs routine laboratory functions to support testing activities. This position shares responsibility for maintaining lab equipment and for ensuring that samples are handled and processed following established procedures and guidelines and that prescribed quality assurance standards are maintained. This position serves as a resource within the work unit by advising and training others on how to perform processes within the work unit and participates in collaborative problem solving.
Analytical Testing
- Ensure specimens submitted to the laboratory are suitable for requested analyses.
- Prepare and analyze samples and specimens qualitatively and quantitatively using accepted preparation methods and advanced analytical techniques.
- Ensure compliance with QA requirements for assigned analyses.
- Verify and record instrument functionality.
- Evaluate quality control measures to ensure that sample results meet acceptance criteria.
- Handling and manipulation of microbiological organisms and hazardous chemicals and high pressure gases.
- Conduct productive literature searches for troubleshooting existing methodologies
- Develops and prepares method validation plans using guidance from program and Division procedures under the direction of senior staff.
- Develops and prepares standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the guidance of senior staff.
- Generates well documented data as part of validation and verification of new methods and/or equipment as required by regulation or program and Division policies.
- Observes and addresses quality and analytical trends.
- Trains other work unit staff in the application of new methods.
- Carries out validation studies of new methods or new matrices with existing methods as directed.
- Operate, calibrate and maintain equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Verifies and records equipment functionality.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Minimum Qualifications
An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience
Experience Only
Five (5) years of relevant experience* in in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or closely related fields
OR
Education And Experience
A combination of related education* * in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or closely-related scienc e and/or relevant experience* in in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or closely related fields equal to five (5) years
- This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
- A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Late transcripts will not be accepted.
The preferred experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered in selecting the successful candidate:
- Relevant years of State service
- Method Development and Validation: Demonstrated expertise in conducting method development and validation studies, including experience with troubleshooting existing methodologies, developing method validation plans, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the context of laboratory testing, particularly as they pertain to public health and safety.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in handling and manipulating hazardous chemicals and high-pressure gases, as well as operating, calibrating, and maintaining analytical equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Collaboration and Training: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrated experience in advising and training other team members, and active participation in collaborative problem-solving initiatives.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to perform and interpret complex scientific analyses accurately and efficiently, with attention to detail and adherence to quality assurance requirements.
- Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and procedures in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
- Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify and address analytical trends, troubleshoot issues, and resolve challenges related to sample analyses and laboratory operations.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey technical information and provide scientific consultation and recommendations to team members and stakeholders.
- Organizational Skills: Capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate and well-documented records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Commitment to Safety: Dedication to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, including the proper handling of hazardous chemicals and adherence to safety protocols.
- Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a criminal history background check is required for all positions at CDPHE
- Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- Ability to travel alone to conferences, continuing education/training, work group participation on a quarterly bases.
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .
Supplemental Information
A Complete Application Packet Must Include
- A completed State of Colorado application.
- If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
- If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
- All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
- Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
- Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
- A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.
You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
ADAAA Accommodations
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Dan McKenna, at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.
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