Deputy Chief Science Officer

Oklahoma State Government • Oklahoma City, OK

15d • Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is seeking a full-time Deputy 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 Deputy Chief Science Officer (DCSO) supports the Chief Science Officer in leading the scientific and technical functions of the state’s medical marijuana regulatory program. This role provides expert guidance on cannabis science, product safety, laboratory standards, and public health considerations to ensure that regulatory decisions are grounded in evidence and best practices. The DCSO reviews scientific data, contributes to rule development, evaluates emerging research, and assists with investigations related to product contamination, testing accuracy, or laboratory compliance. Working collaboratively across internal divisions, licensed laboratories, and external stakeholders, the DCSO helps maintain a safe, transparent, and scientifically sound medical marijuana system for patients and the public.

Requirements

• Education and Experience required at this level consists of a bachelor’s degree and six years of professional business or public administration experience, including three years in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of professional or technical administrative experience in business or public administration for each year of the required education.
• NOTE: No substitution will be allowed for the required professional experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures; of all state and federal legislation related to assigned agency programs; of the principles, methods and practices of various programs being administered; and of the organization, development and administration of the programs for which responsibility is assigned.
• Ability is required to evaluate program performance; plan, coordinate and evaluate the activities of divisions and multiple work units engaged in a broad range of functions; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to interpret, analyze and resolve highly complex administrative and personnel problems; to interpret and apply policy material; to maintain effective working relationships with others; and to direct the functions and activities of a program or division which is large in size and/or scope.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in biological, environmental, plant science, physical sciences or a closely related field.
• Four years of applied toxicological experience.
• Demonstrated experience in cannabis testing best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, direction, and supervision to Science Department staff to ensure effective execution of assigned functions and regulatory activities.
• Develops, implements, and maintains sound personnel policies and practices that support staff performance, professional development, and operational consistency .
• Oversees and provides scientific and regulatory guidance for licensure processes related to testing laboratories, research, and education applicants and licensees.
• Prepares clear and comprehensive reports summarizing Science Department activities, goals, accomplishments, challenges, and resource needs.
• Assists in long‑term strategic planning to support efficient, science‑driven operations within the Science Department.
• Consults with the Chief Science Officer in developing policies, procedures, regulations, and compliance standards that support public health and program integrity.
• Promotes efficient and effective cross‑departmental collaboration to support cohesive regulatory operations.
• Recruits subject matter experts to consult with OMMA on rulemaking and administrative cases.
• Provides scientific expertise, evidence, and testimony in legal proceedings when required.
• Represents OMMA’s Science department in public forums and interagency collaborations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive