Chief Science Officer

Chief Science Officer

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is seeking a full-time Chief Science Officer. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act, located in Oklahoma City, OK. OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position is based on education and experience.

Every position at OMMA brings an opportunity to build out new policies and procedures using innovative and creative problem-solving. With any opportunity, challenges rear their heads. Candidates must be willing to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges in order to succeed at OMMA. We are an agency that will not settle for status quo or complacency. Candidates must be willing to work hard to help OMMA be the best at what we are entrusted to do.

If this sounds like a challenge you are willing to take on, we look forward to reviewing your application!

Basic Purpose

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) Chief Science Officer (CSO) holds primary responsibility for overseeing licensing for medical marijuana testing laboratories, education facilities, and research facilities along with overseeing the Patient Services Unit. The CSO ensures that OMMA licensed laboratories comply with all applicable rules and regulations by overseeing the inspection process and implementing best practices for the team. They provide expert guidance on testing requirements and maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in cannabis testing. This position collaborates closely with the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team to develop and implement strategies that enhance public health and improve regulatory outcomes related to medical marijuana testing.

Typical Functions

• Oversee licensure processes for testing laboratories, research facilities, and educational institutions.
• Reviews and approves procedures and protocols submitted by applicants and licensees.
• Leads rule development for licensed laboratories and ensures consistent application of OMMA regulations.
• Identifies and interprets unusual analytical results and recommends appropriate actions.
• Provides evidence and expert testimony in legal proceedings on behalf of the agency.
• Supervises a multidisciplinary team including managers, scientists, analysts, inspectors, public health professionals and administrative staff.
• Oversee the OMMA Patient Services unit, which serves as the public health hub of the agency and includes all facets of medical marijuana patient licensing.
• Establishes and upholds professional standards of conduct for the OMMA Science team.
• Follows all statutes, administrative rules, and OMMA policies while also ensuring the Science department does the same.
• Guides and supports the Science department leadership.
• Prepares reports summarizing departmental activities, goals, accomplishments, and resource needs.
• Stays abreast of all evolving science around cannabis testing and public health related to cannabis use.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, budgets, and performance standards for the OMMA Quality Assurance Laboratory.
• Represents OMMA's Science department in public forums and interagency collaborations.
• Serves as a resource to other state agencies on cannabis testing and public health related issues.
• Advises laboratory personnel on test results, methodologies, and laboratory regulatory requirements.
• Provides guidance to OMMA licensees on testing procedures, equipment, analytical purposes, and documentation standards.
• Collaborates with internal and external organizations to standardize and improve medical marijuana laboratory services.
• Monitors emerging trends and technologies in cannabis testing and public safety.
• Prepares reports and presentations on innovations and industry developments.
• Keeps the Executive Director and Executive Team informed of laboratory testing-related issues impacting the agency.
• Provides strong leadership to the Science department and promotes agency values at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of advanced business planning; regulatory issues; the state budget process; the state administrative process; the legislative process; effective leadership techniques and strategies; new and changing technologies, business practices and concepts, change management; quality management; and programs and services provided by the agency. Skills required at this level include skill in oral and written communication; analysis; critical thinking, decision making; attention to detail; problem solving; establishing and maintaining effective relationships internally and externally; maintaining awareness of changing technologies, programmatic changes, and business practices and concepts; and demonstrating business acumen. Abilities required at this level include ability to clearly communicate and process ideas while directing others in executing such ideas into operational steps; lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team; complete all tasks and responsibilities of a supervisor; apply data analysis and performance metrics to organizational problems; diagnose problems and foresee potential issues; analyze complex problems and make recommendations for resolution; understand the overall purpose and function of the agency and assigned department(s), division(s), or similar business unit(s); and provide on-going leadership.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree plus six (6) years of relevant professional experience, including three (3) years in a senior level leadership supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of education (master's degree or doctorate) for one year of experience. NOTE : A maximum of two (2) years of education can be substituted for the three (3) years relevant professional experience. Additionally, no substitution will be allowed for the required professional experience in a senior level leadership supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise levels. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. This position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.