Laboratory & Testing Analyst

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Laboratory and Testing Analyst under the direction of the Laboratory and Testing Manager will ensure licensed marijuana establishments operate safely and securely throughout the Commonwealth and abide by Commission regulations. The Laboratory and Testing Analyst will monitor, evaluate and analyze the certificates of analysis, current status of testing, cultivation, manufacturing and cannabis related research, including on-site visits, completing regulatory compliance inspections, reviewing and assessing the protocols for testing and capacity of licensed Independent Testing Labs (ITLs) throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Commission with regulations, protocols, and methodologies regarding marijuana testing, which includes, but is not limited to potency, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbial, terpenes, and water content;
• Collects data from the seed-to-sale tracking system and licensing database to identify testing parameters and related results;
• Complete regulatory compliance inspections for ITLs by conducting on-site and virtual inspections;
• Conduct site visits at ITLs in order to evaluate their standard operating procedures, observe testing methodologies, write lab reports and inspect the licensed premises to determine compliance with state regulations;
• In cooperation with licensing and enforcement staff, monitors and tracks the status of ITL licenses, certifications, and mandatory requirements;
• Reviews marijuana establishments' testing related procedures;
• Assists the investigations and compliance team in reviewing and interpreting the certificates of analysis;
• Conducts investigations related to Independent Testing Laboratories and assists the investigations and compliance team in testing related investigations;
• Implement state of the art techniques and approaches for collecting and analyzing testing and research related data;
• Maintains thorough documentation by gathering, verifying and reviewing information related to inspections and investigations pertaining to testing;
• Drafts memoranda, inspection and investigations reports that are accurate and factually sound, organized, and which also analyzes complex fact patterns that appropriately applies the relevant laws and regulations;
• Ensures that all the relevant documentation is entered into the case management system;
• Review and audit all testing activities which includes ensuring that ITLs are complying with the seed-to-sale system of record;
• Responds to rule violations, incidents or complaints by issuing notices of deficiency;
• Refers legal issues or regulatory interpretation disputes to Enforcement Counsel staff's attention through a supervisor in a timely manner;
• Keeps accurate spreadsheets regarding assigned inspections and other related matters and updates the case management system regularly;
• Performs related duties such as attending office or department meetings, administrative or court hearings, or depositions;
• Responds to and/or ensures that a response is provided in a timely and appropriate manner to inquiries from the public regarding agency policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations;
• Assists Enforcement Department during the suitability determination process, administrative hearings and other enforcement actions when assigned;
• Partners with investigations and enforcement staff to identify regulatory concerns and modify procedures for inspecting ITLs; and
• Stay current with emerging practices and information related to best practices for marijuana testing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct and support the Commission's goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce;
• Collaborate with other state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Public Health to develop inspection and evaluation protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Excellent quantitative statistical knowledge;
• Advanced experience with at least one high-level statistical software program (R, SAS, Stata, SPSS etc. );
• Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence ;
• Adept at presenting information in an accurate and concise format;
• Ability to think critically and strategically;
• Ability to work independently, as well as with teams;
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and p ossesses a valid Driver's License from Massachusetts or another state;
• Ability to spend much of the workweek traveling to locations throughout the Commonwealth ;
• Approximately 60 - 70 % of the time is spent in the field, out of the office.
• Commitment to the Commissions mission, standards and goals; and
• Ability to work in and travel to the Commission's offices in Worcester and Boston

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science , Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Data Science, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education required ; Advanced degree preferred;
• Minimum of 5-7 years of related work/graduate experience in Environmental Science, Biochemistry or Toxicology, or related field;
• Experience in the cannabis regulatory environment and/or research; and
• Solid background in informational technology and quantitative data analysis;
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.