Assistant Research Scientist (Analytical Chemistry) - 1481
New York State Department of Health
Summary
An Assistant Research Scientist is needed to support the Wadsworth Center's Cannabis Reference Laboratory. The Cannabis Reference Laboratory was established to serve the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and provide scientific expertise to identify and quantitate contaminants that are known or suspected to be hazardous to public health.
Job description
The Assistant Research Scientist will be responsible for researching and analyzing cannabis samples for filth and foreign material, water activity, and moisture content on cannabis products, developing, validating, and implementing a new method, and compiling and communicating the results.
Minimum Qualifications
Non-Competitive: Bachelor's degree or higher in the Natural Sciences and one year post-degree professional research experience in an appropriate field.
Substitution: 30 graduate hours leading to an advanced degree in an appropriate field may be substituted for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in the analysis of bulk environmental and/or plant materials by stereoscopic specimen microscopy and physical chemistry (i.e. moisture content, water activity, gravimetric reduction)
- Ability to improve current methods or develop and validate sampling and analytical methods
- Strong knowledge of data processing, Microsoft Office, and principles of quantitative analysis
- Basic knowledge of microscopic imaging
- Proficiency working in a regulated laboratory environment (preferably cannabis or ISO 17025)
- Ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instrumentation
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in the Natural Sciences
- One year post-degree professional research experience in an appropriate field
- 30 graduate hours leading to an advanced degree may substitute for the required experience
- Experience in analysis of bulk environmental and/or plant materials by stereoscopic specimen microscopy and physical chemistry
- Ability to improve current methods or develop and validate sampling and analytical methods
- Strong knowledge of data processing, Microsoft Office, and principles of quantitative analysis
- Basic knowledge of microscopic imaging
- Proficiency working in a regulated laboratory environment (preferably cannabis or ISO 17025)
- Ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instrumentation
Benefits
- Holiday & Paid Time Off
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Pension
- Shift & Geographic Pay Differentials
- Health Insurance
- Dental & Vision Benefits
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- College Savings Programs
- U.S. Savings Bonds
Company overview
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is the primary public health agency for the state of New York, established in 1901 to protect and promote the health of all New Yorkers. As a government agency, it operates under the jurisdiction of New York state government with headquarters in Albany. The department's core mission involves preventing and reducing threats to public health while ensuring access to affordable, high-quality health services across the state. NYSDOH supervises 58 local health departments that deliver essential services including disease control and prevention, environmental health, family health services, and health education. The department maintains comprehensive regulatory authority over healthcare facilities through certificate of need processes, hospital oversight, and enforcement of public health standards. With a workforce of 5,000-10,000 employees, NYSDOH operates through central offices, regional offices, and district health offices while managing five healthcare institutions. The agency plays a critical role in emergency preparedness and response, vital records administration, health information systems management, and public health research through its Wadsworth Center laboratory. During public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, NYSDOH has served as the state's lead agency for coordinating response efforts and implementing evidence-based health policies.