Microbiologist

Company Overview: 

Kaycha Labs, Inc 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, Microbiology will be 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, bacterial and fungal plating and  PCR 
• Train incoming analysts and technicians on methodology. 
• Responsible for troubleshooting instrumentation to ensure data integrity 
• Prepare samples for analysis while displaying good laboratory technique to avoid cross contamination or misidentified samples. 
• Accurately prepare quality control samples. 
• Interpret and evaluate data in terms of accuracy, precision, trends, and quality control  requirements. 
• Provide scientific interpretation of results to supervisor, management, or customers as  requested 
• Maintain a sterile work environment and undergo cleaning procedures as necessary, to  ensure ongoing proper workflow. Report contamination issues to supervisor 
• Prioritize samples and provide guidance and support to the sample prep team for  assigned analysis.  
• Perform method validations, or verifications with minimal supervision as needed. 
• Track inventory of supplies and reagents to ensure no interruption of work-flow 
• Oversee root cause analysis for quality assurance.  
• Assist in SOP edits as needed for assigned testing analysis and alert management when  there is a change in procedure 
• May be able to perform method development to respond to changing client needs or  regulations 
• Research new technologies and methodologies to improve laboratory processes and  techniques and make recommendations to supervisors.  
• Other duties and special projects as assigned. 

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:  

• Strong understanding of standard laboratory protocol. 
• Maintain high productivity, keen attention to detail, and consistent multi-tasking while  yielding a low testing error rate. 
• Strong agility, engagement, and flexibility in an ever-changing environment.
• Diligent commitment to logging, organizing, and analyzing data. 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, problem solve, and  communicate with multiple levels of the organization. 
• 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. 

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 2-3 years of microbiology experience is preferred.  
• 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. 

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