Lab Analyst III

Job Description

Location: Varies | Reports to : Lab Director | Department: Lab Operations | Classification: Full-time, Exempt | Direct Reports: No

Company Overview:

Kaycha Labs is a leading provider of innovative Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods. We perform product testing to help ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. We provide comprehensive cannabis testing for potency, homogeneity, heavy metals, microbial contamination, mycotoxins, residual solvents, terpenes, and pesticides.

Job Purpose:

The Lab Analyst, Level III is responsible for performing, documenting, record checking, and troubleshooting qualitative and quantitative assays on samples using techniques that vary from the use of standard laboratory equipment to highly modern and automated instrumentation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Analyze samples consisting of a variety of matrices and cross trained on various laboratory technologies including, but not limited to, HPLC, GC/MS, LC/MS, and ICP/MS
  • Act as company wide subject matter expert on at least one analysis by providing guidance and training to local and off site labs
  • Train and mentor incoming analysts and technicians on methodology.
  • Assess potential problems that may arise in performance of testing and initiate appropriate action, as may be required
  • Accurately prepare calibration curves and quality control samples
  • Interpret and evaluate data in terms of accuracy, precision, trends, and quality control requirements
  • Maintain laboratory equipment by cleaning, replacing parts, and performing advanced maintenance to ensure ongoing proper working order. Report equipment issues to supervisor
  • Lead the laboratory team for assigned analysis by making independent decisions relating to sample preparation and prioritization of testing
  • Perform method validations, or verifications with minimal supervision, and assist others as needed
  • Track inventory of supplies and reagents to ensure no interruption of work-flow
  • Lead laboratory investigations, and corrective actions as requested or assigned.
  • Able to provide scientific interpretation of results to supervisor, management, or customers as requested
  • Conduct laboratory internal audits as needed
  • Prepare samples for analysis while displaying good laboratory technique to avoid cross-contamination or misidentified samples.
  • Able to perform method development to respond to changing client needs or regulations
  • Manage SOP for assigned testing analysis and alert management when there is a change in procedure
  • Maintain high productivity, keen attention to detail, and consistent multi-tasking while yielding a low testing error rate.
  • Promote a strong customer service culture while adhering to the highest safety and industry standards, including those that are outlined by the state regulatory body.
  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Education & Experience:

  • Minimum BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering or Environmental Sciences required.
  • Knowledge of principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation commonly used in a laboratory setting required.
  • At least 5 years of post-college laboratory experience, or 3 years with Kaycha Labs
  • Instrument experience required.
  • Food science and/or environmental experience is a plus.
  • Exposure to the cannabis industry is a plus.

Other

  • Must pass the required background check.
  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Kaycha Labs offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and time off.
  • Kaycha Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

  • Ability to demonstrate a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong agility, engagement, and flexibility in an ever-changing environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation
  • Diligent commitment to logging, organizing, and analyzing data.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced deadline environment while successfully managing multiple tasks.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Strong understanding of standard laboratory protocol.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, problem solve, and communicate with multiple levels of the organization.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced deadline environment while successfully managing multiple tasks.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in at least two high complexity technology

Essential Functions:

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

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, handle or feel, to speak, and to hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close (proximity) vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The standard analytical laboratory environment is one in which potential health hazards do exist. Administrative, operations, technical, and professional staff are expected to safely operate in accordance with applicable and appropriate health and safety policies and procedures, as prescribed by the applicable Kaycha manuals and policies and/or federal, state, or local standards.

Laboratory staff can be expected to work in areas where hazards associated are with, but not limited to, airborne pathogens. Biological materials, hazardous substances, and radioactive material exist and are handled. Appropriate training is provided regarding these hazards and staff are expected to adhere to all health and safety policies at all times, whether they are in writing or verbalized by a supervisor.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions