Chemist I

Handles samples, performs analyses and reports accurate and timely data according to Laboratory Operating Procedures and test methodologies. Regularly operates laboratory equipment such as analytical balances, food homogenization equipment, pipetting tools, incubators, ICP-MS and ICP-OES, spectrophotometer, and basic wet chemistry equipment

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Handles samples and performs analyses according to Operating Procedures and test methodology
• Maintains and verifies equipment
• Reports deficiencies or malfunction to the supervisor
• Maintains records of all quality activities as documented in Operating Procedures and test methods
• Identifies and records nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Work requires analyzing, troubleshooting and adaptation of existing procedures to achieve the desired results.
• Work requires the development of action plans for problems or issues having broad implications and/or major projects affecting other related organization activities.
• Thorough understanding of critical control points of the method and possible cross contaminations. Understanding the principles of the method and how different steps in the process can have an impact on final results.
• Maintain expected turnaround time despite seasonal sample volume fluctuations.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

• Business depends on providing quality results with timely turnaround, at a reasonable marketplace cost. Providing this requires efficient and thorough lab technicians, willing to work until the daily volumes are analyzed.

ANALYTICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING

• Use well-defined methods and procedures as guidelines for work tasks (e.g. maintaining records, processing reports, etc.). Apply appropriate test methods to unconventional samples to obtain meaningful results.
• When there is a situation that the employee has not come across before, can read manuals/procedures and figure out what to do and collaborate with manager/supervisor/team leader in deciding what to do.
• Modify or change established methods and procedures that are not significant only after supervisor approval, but stay within prescribed standards (e.g. legislative boundaries, regulatory requirements, customer specifications, etc.). Document the deviations.
• Initiate re-checks when QC failures happen due to poor chromatography, sample in homogeneity, QC non-conformances, etc.

WORK SCHEDULE

Training schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM
Once training is complete, the schedule will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 11AM-7:30PM and Saturday, 9AM-5:30PM.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field or commercial laboratory experience Required
• 3+ years of prior laboratory experience in related work Required

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Language Skills: English
• Mathematical Skills: Basic level of knowledge
• Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Basic
• Computer Skills: Basic use of Microsoft Office 365 Suite required, experience with LIMS system

ADDITIONAL KSAS

• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.