Laboratory Technician - NEW JERSEY CANNALYTICS LLC

JOB DESCRIPTION:

NJ Cannalytics is looking for a candidate that seeks a challenging position in an independent testing laboratory serving the New Jersey medical and adult-use cannabis markets. The successful candidate will be reliable, exhibit strong attention to detail and thrive in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS, must:

• Have a valid driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent.
• 21+ years old and subject to applicable employment requirements for the state of New Jersey for cannabis businesses, including but not limited to a criminal background check.
• 2 years of relevant, professional (non-academic) laboratory experience in a high-volume environment with a primary responsibility for sample preparation and extraction.
• Display of competency utilizing small laboratory equipment necessary for wet-chemistry preparation such as but not limited to calibrated balance and micropipettes.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES:

The laboratory technician is responsible and accountable for performance of daily, high-volume sample extractions to support the accurate testing of state-mandated and R&D analysis of cannabis and cannabis products submitted for testing. As an employee within a cannabis testing laboratory, this position is always responsible for the safe, accurate and timely testing of cannabis and must comply with all expectation for compliant operations within a New Jersey cannabis business.  

Potency Technician:  Sample preparation and data analysis of state required compliance testing for cannabinoid potency and Vitamin E acetate quantification, including additional R&D testing, to support process-informed cultivation and manufacturing practices. The ideal candidate has a minimum of two years of professional experience of daily HPLC sample extraction, foundational knowledge of cannabis matrixes and basic instrument maintenance and troubleshooting experiences. Candidates with a degree in the natural sciences who can pass an initial display of competency may also be considered with applicable laboratory experience evaluated at the discretion of management. Cannabis experience preferred, but not required for the right candidate.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Follow policies and procedures for the daily operations and fully comply with state cannabis regulations.
• Adhere to current good documentation practices, cGDP, for the completion of laboratory documents, logs, forms, and worksheets.
• Accurately document sample weights and relevant data with great attention to detail.
• Works in a timely manner, strives to improve quality and maintain accuracy.
• Proficiently utilize Microsoft Excel and various laboratory information management systems.
• Appropriate use of personal protective equipment during laboratory activities.
• Participation in and completion of training needed to be determined competent for sample collection, preparation, interpretation, and analysis using aseptic techniques.
• Expertise in daily sample preparation, extraction techniques, quality control preparation and documentation and basic instrument functions such as routine maintenance and instrument loading.
• Initial and ongoing demonstrated competency of all HPLC-based methods, as determined by technical audits and successful completion of applicable proficiency testing.
• Participation in daily sample workflows, including independent sample preparation, instrument activities and compliant documentation of associated forms and logs.
• Foundational data analysis skills, including matrix-appropriate reporting for submission to the laboratory director or their designee for approval and release.
• Performance of area organization and cleaning.
• Routine maintenance of the HPLC equipment, and assistance with troubleshooting and non-routine instrument maintenance as needed.
• Safe and appropriate handing of certified reference materials, quality controls and their supporting documentation.
• Review and document laboratory testing results, including quality controls, within the laboratory information system (LIMS).
• Documentation management pursuant to organizational retention requirements.
• Perform or assist in instrument qualification and method validations or verifications, as applicable.
• Peer leadership and stewardship for consistent use of good laboratory practices and safe handling, storage and disposal of Department reagents, supplies, and hazardous waste.
• Maintaining physical inventory, including supply management and ordering, in support of the HPLC department.
• Responsible for performing and maintaining an environmental monitoring and risk assessment for potential laboratory contamination.  
• Responsible for cleaning of lab glassware and general lab cleaning
• Performs all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor, which may include cannabis sampling and transport.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in a production laboratory environment and requires use of personal protection equipment to limit exposure to chemicals or other hazards found within a laboratory environment.
• Work environment is fast-paced and will require frequent pivoting and multitasking, as well as the reprioritization of tasks based on demand/urgency.
• The work environment may expose employee to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
• Per state requirements for this industry, the facility is secured by user-specific access and is surveillance by cameras located throughout the laboratory except in restrooms.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and use hands.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Visual requirements to include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK HOURS:

• Tuesday – Saturday, training and competency determined on a Monday-Friday schedule.
• Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Tuesday-Saturday.
• 8-9 hour shifts
• Overtime available.

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation:  $22-24 / hour

Expected hours: 40 – 45 per week

Education:

• Highschool or equivalent (required)
• AS or greater (preferred)

Experience:

• Analytical chemistry in a high-volume laboratory setting:  2 years (required)
• Laboratory sample extractions:  2 years (required)
• Agilent HPLC experience: 2 years (preferred)
• Cannabis experience:  1 year (preferred)

Please note candidates must comply with New Jersey regulatory employment requirements for cannabis.