Analytical Chemist I

RESPONSIBILITIES

Analytical Testing & Laboratory Operations

• Receive samples into the laboratory and appropriately route or coordinate samples for required testing.
• Perform routine and advanced analytical testing of incoming raw materials, work-in-process materials, finished products, and other samples as required.
• Perform wet chemistry and bench testing, including titrations and other established analytical procedures.
• Prepare samples, solutions, standards, and reagents required for laboratory testing.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses in accordance with approved test methods, SOPs, work instructions, and established laboratory procedures.
• Operate applicable analytical instrumentation, which may include HPLC, GC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and LC-MS, based on training and demonstrated proficiency.
• Accurately record testing activities, observations, calculations, and analytical results.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce accurate, consistent, and reproducible laboratory results.
• Recognize aberrant or unexpected analytical results and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Troubleshoot routine analytical problems and, at more advanced proficiency levels, complex instrumentation or method-related issues.
• Maintain appropriate laboratory supplies and inventory needed to support testing activities.
• Perform laboratory housekeeping and cleaning activities to maintain an organized and inspection-ready environment.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Perform laboratory activities in accordance with applicable cGMP, GDP, SOPs, work instructions, analytical methods, and Quality Control requirements.
• Complete and maintain accurate, timely, and traceable documentation for laboratory procedures, testing activities, and results.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and data integrity throughout sample preparation, testing, calculations, documentation, and result reporting.
• Follow established procedures for laboratory testing and appropriately escalate unexpected results, deviations, or testing concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality and impartiality in laboratory activities and promptly identify potential risks to either.
• Support the integrity of the laboratory management system in accordance with applicable ISO 17025 requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of laboratory SOPs, cGMP requirements, analytical methods, and procedural changes relevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Support laboratory inspection and audit readiness through accurate documentation, compliant work practices, and organized laboratory operations.

Analytical Troubleshooting & Method Support

• Evaluate analytical results and identify results that appear unusual, inconsistent, or outside expected patterns.
• Troubleshoot routine testing, sample preparation, method, and instrumentation issues within the scope of training and experience.
• Support more complex analytical troubleshooting as proficiency and technical expertise develop.
• Participate in analytical method development and improvement activities as assigned.
• Provide technical support to laboratory colleagues and supervisors based on demonstrated areas of expertise.
• Identify testing or instrumentation issues that may affect laboratory timelines and communicate risks promptly.
• Document analytical troubleshooting, findings, and actions clearly and concisely.

Laboratory Collaboration & Execution

• Manage assigned testing priorities efficiently to support laboratory turnaround-time objectives.
• Collaborate with other Analytical Chemists, laboratory leadership, and cross-functional partners to ensure testing requirements are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Communicate testing status, delays, risks, and analytical concerns promptly.
• Maintain strong time-management skills while balancing multiple samples, tests, and laboratory priorities.
• Work overtime as required to support laboratory and business needs.
• Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and quality-focused laboratory environment.
• Complete required training and maintain applicable analytical qualifications and certifications.

WHAT YOU NEED

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or a science-related field required.
• Degree must include a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level chemistry.
• Relevant analytical laboratory experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated aptitude for performing technical laboratory assignments.
• Experience with one or more analytical technologies such as HPLC, GC, ICP spectroscopy, LC-MS, or NIR spectroscopy is preferred.
• Previous experience within a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, biotechnology, or other regulated laboratory environment is a plus.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and quantitative and qualitative laboratory techniques.
• Ability to learn and perform approved analytical test methods, laboratory procedures, and sample-preparation techniques.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LC-MS, and/or NIR, depending on experience and assigned responsibilities.
• Understanding of laboratory documentation and data-integrity practices.
• Working knowledge of cGMP and GDP requirements or the ability to develop proficiency in these areas.
• Ability to recognize unexpected analytical results and troubleshoot testing issues within the scope of training and experience.
• Ability to safely prepare and handle laboratory samples, solutions, reagents, solvents, and other testing materials.
• Proficiency with or ability to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn laboratory software and computer systems required to perform assigned testing and documentation.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required for laboratory testing, sample preparation, dilutions, and analytical results.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy throughout sample preparation, testing, calculations, documentation, and result reporting.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates laboratory data and recognizes results or trends that may require additional investigation.
• Problem Solving: Troubleshoots testing and instrumentation issues and escalates concerns appropriately.
• Data Integrity: Produces accurate, complete, traceable, and reproducible laboratory results.
• Time Management: Efficiently manages multiple testing priorities and delivers assigned work within established timelines.
• Communication: Clearly communicates analytical results, testing status, concerns, and technical information verbally and in writing.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with laboratory colleagues, supervisors, and cross-functional partners.
• Technical Learning: Develops proficiency across analytical methods, instrumentation, laboratory systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned testing and follows work through to completion.
• Judgment & Escalation: Recognizes unexpected results, technical issues, or timeline risks and raises concerns promptly.
• Organization: Maintains orderly laboratory work, documentation, samples, supplies, and testing activities.
• Quality & Compliance: Consistently follows approved procedures and maintains high standards for laboratory quality and regulatory compliance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to safely work with ingredients and products derived from potentially allergenic sources, including nuts, soy, dairy, fish, and shellfish.
• Ability to work in laboratory environments with periodic exposure to acids, solvents, fumes, and airborne particles while using required PPE.
• Ability to wear laboratory PPE, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves.
• Ability to remain stationary and move throughout the laboratory unassisted for the duration of the assigned shift.
• Ability to safely and carefully operate laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, use a stepladder, and periodically reach overhead or to the side.
• Ability to see and read small print and communicate effectively with supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to work in a low-to-moderate noise environment.
• Ability to work an 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shift and overtime as assigned.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company- paid life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements
• Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities