Job Posting: Research Scientist Staff

Department of Cannabis Control

JC-532256
-
Research Scientist Staff
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF

$8,327.00 - $10,779.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

Looking for innovative, impactful work in a fast-evolving industry? The Department of Cannabis Control is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented Research Scientist III to lead complex analytical and research studies that support California’s cannabis regulatory framework.

Under the general direction of the Research Scientist (RS) Supervisor I of the Chemical Sciences (CS) Unit II, in the Cannabis Testing Laboratory Office (Office), part of the Laboratory Services Branch, within the Compliance Division (Division), part of the Department of Cannabis Control (Department), the RS Staff will plan, organize, and direct complex scientific research studies. The RS Staff will make independent decisions, serve as an advisor to lower-level scientists, and adapt methods, techniques, and procedures to complete assignments. The RS Staff will manage the specialized phases of major scientific projects, coordinate with other agencies, present scientific research or investigations to public health experts and the community, publish research findings in scientific journals, and perform other related work in an assigned region; however, may be required to conduct business throughout the State of California. The RS Staff will be responsible for planning and conducting complex analytical studies on chemical contamination of cannabis and cannabis products, perform routine research and analysis of cannabis and cannabis products for quantitation, and conduct screening and identification of chemical contaminants for the Office.

What you’ll do:
• Production Testing & Laboratory Analysis
Conduct laboratory testing of cannabis and cannabis products using advanced instrumentation. Report results according to standard procedures, ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), validate test results, and maintain laboratory records. Troubleshoot instrumentation, manage sample inventories, and uphold laboratory safety and ISO 17025 accreditation.

• Research & Method Development
Develop and validate analytical methods to measure, screen, and identify cannabinoids and toxins, including distinguishing phyto and synthetic/semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Lead and organize high-complexity research projects using state-of-the-art instruments (GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS) to support California testing regulations and Department standards.

• Technical Reporting & Data Review
Prepare laboratory analysis reports, quality control sample reporting, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Review data packages of completed testing, transcribe scientific research reports, and prepare findings for scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

• Laboratory Operations & Compliance
Participate in budgetary planning, laboratory network and LIMS method setup, equipment and supply procurement, and maintain ISO documentation. Manage laboratory safety procedures, including chemical and cannabis waste disposal.

• Collaboration & Training
Coordinate laboratory activities with internal scientific and administrative staff. Develop and deliver training on new analytical methods, testing protocols, and quality procedures to enhance technical competency and ensure standardized practices.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-532256
Position #(s):
592-361-5594-XXX
592-361-5594-004
Working Title:
Research Scientist Staff
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF
$8,327.00 - $10,779.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Contra Costa County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Do you enjoy a fast-paced workplace? Are you interested in a ground floor opportunity?

The Department of Cannabis Control is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual that wants to work in a multi-tasking environment. The Department’s mission is to develop and implement progressive cannabis policies and license and regulate commercial cannabis activity in a way that best protects public health, safety, the environment, and local communities throughout the State of California.
Department Website: https://cannabis.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) - Title 11, Section 703 (d) of the California Code of Regulations requires criminal record checks of all personnel who have access to CORI. Pursuant to this requirement, applicants for this position will be required to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice and be cleared before hiring. In accordance with CORI procedures, clearance shall be maintained while employed in a CORI-designated position. Additionally, the position routinely works with sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of documents and topics pertaining to individuals or to sensitive program matters at all times.

Conflict of Interest (COI) - This position is subject to COI Regulations. The incumbent is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1st, and within 30 days of leaving office.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Cannabis Control
HRB
Attn: C&R - JC# 532256, FFD 10/06/2026
P.O. Box 419106
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Cannabis Control
Human Resources Branch
C&R - JC# 532256, FFD 10/06/2026
This location is non-operational on weekends and holidays.
2920 Kilgore Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    Candidates are required to complete a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) in addition to the State application (STD 678). The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

    SOQs will be no more than two pages typed in Arial 12 pt font.

    1. What education, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities qualify you for this position?

    2. Describe your experience working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://cannabis.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Branch
(844) 612-2322
hr@cannabis.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Contact
(916) 982-9809
EEO@cannabis.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Insructions

If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification, please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Applicants who submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application (STD. 678). Applicants who fail to submit the most current version may be disqualified. Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be complete with dates, duties, responsibilities, and contact information for supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in being screened out.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Electronic application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date. Mail application packages must be postmarked before or on the final filing date. Hand delivered application packages must be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted. 

If you have updates to your online application after you have submitted it, contact HR@cannabis.ca.gov. For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, contact (866) 844-8671.

For LEAP information, visit CalHR and DOR.  For Veterans’ preference information, visit CalCareers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job