Assistant Research Scientist (Analytical Chemistry) - 1481

Duties Description 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. 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); and ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instrumentation.

Additional Comments Dependent upon the initial assignment or subsequent reassignment of this position satisfactory background checks may be required. Additionally, exposure to potentially hazardous substances may be involved with this position; the selected candidate may be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment and may undergo pre-employment and/or periodic health evaluations and receive specific immunizations.

When reviewing qualifications, omissions and vagueness cannot be interpreted in the candidate’s favor. Candidates are responsible for providing accurate and clear descriptions of their experience demonstrating how they meet the minimum qualifications.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact by phone 518-486-1812 or email [email protected] to make a request.

The NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate of the position (beginning of the salary range). Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.