Analytical Chemist II

RESPONSIBILITIES

Analytical Testing & Laboratory Operations

• Perform routine and advanced analytical testing of incoming raw materials, work-in-process materials, finished products, and other samples as required.
• Receive samples into the laboratory and appropriately coordinate or route samples for required testing.
• Perform wet chemistry and bench testing, including titrations and other established analytical procedures.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses in accordance with approved test methods, SOPs, work instructions, and laboratory procedures.
• Prepare solutions, samples, standards, reagents, and other materials required for laboratory testing.
• Operate applicable analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS, based on training and certification.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize aberrant or unexpected analytical results and appropriately investigate or escalate concerns.
• Troubleshoot routine analytical problems and major instrumentation issues within the scope of training and expertise.
• Produce accurate, consistent, and reproducible analytical results.
• Maintain appropriate laboratory supplies and inventory.
• Perform laboratory housekeeping and cleaning activities to maintain an organized and inspection-ready laboratory environment.

Analytical Chemist II Technical Leadership

• Perform all responsibilities associated with the Analytical Chemist I level.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in laboratory receiving.
• Maintain certification in at least three of the following analytical technologies: ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in at least one designated analytical instrument technology.
• Participate in analytical method development activities.
• Troubleshoot major instrumentation issues and provide technical support within demonstrated areas of expertise.
• Provide technical support and guidance to laboratory colleagues and supervisors as appropriate.
• Act as Shift Lead as needed.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Perform laboratory activities in accordance with applicable cGMP, GDP, SOPs, work instructions, test methods, and Quality Control requirements.
• Complete and maintain accurate, timely, and traceable documentation of laboratory procedures, testing activities, observations, calculations, and results.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and data integrity throughout sample preparation, testing, documentation, and result reporting.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laboratory SOPs and cGMP requirements as procedures and requirements evolve.
• Maintain impartiality and confidentiality in all laboratory activities and promptly communicate identified risks.
• Support the integrity of the laboratory management system in accordance with applicable ISO 17025 requirements.
• Support laboratory inspection and audit readiness through compliant work practices, accurate documentation, and organized laboratory operations.
• Raise testing, quality, instrumentation, or compliance concerns promptly.

Shift Lead Support

• Review and track pending analytical testing to support established laboratory turnaround-time goals.
• Coordinate analysts and testing activities to minimize the risk of late results.
• Assign testing activities based on sample priority and laboratory needs.
• Coordinate with other Shift Leads to balance workload and testing priorities.
• Keep laboratory management informed of sample and testing progress.
• Proactively communicate when tests or samples are at risk of missing established timelines.
• Support OOS and NCM investigations as needed.

Laboratory Collaboration & Execution

• Manage assigned testing priorities efficiently to support laboratory turnaround-time objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with Analytical Chemists, laboratory leadership, and other partners to ensure testing requirements are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Communicate testing status, delays, risks, and analytical concerns promptly.
• Provide technical support to coworkers and supervisors based on demonstrated knowledge and expertise.
• Complete assigned objectives within established timeframes.
• Maintain clear and concise documentation and presentation of laboratory work.
• Participate in required training and maintain applicable analytical qualifications and certifications.
• Work overtime as required to support laboratory and business needs.

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 and demonstrated aptitude for performing technical laboratory assignments preferred.
• Hands-on experience with analytical laboratory instrumentation strongly preferred.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, ICP spectroscopy, and/or NIR spectroscopy is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to perform analytical testing accurately and consistently.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory analyses or instrumentation preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Working knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and qualitative and quantitative laboratory techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analytical laboratory testing and sample preparation.
• Certification in at least three of the following methods of analysis: ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS.
• Subject-matter expertise in at least one of the designated instrument technologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine analyses and major instrumentation issues.
• Ability to participate effectively in analytical method development.
• Working knowledge of cGMP, GDP, SOPs, test methods, and laboratory documentation requirements.
• Understanding of laboratory data integrity, reproducibility, and documentation practices.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 laboratory requirements.
• Proficiency with or ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively use laboratory computer systems and software.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required for sample preparation, testing, dilutions, and analytical results.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Expertise: Applies strong analytical chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills to produce accurate and reliable results.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Identifies and resolves analytical and instrumentation issues using sound technical judgment.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy throughout sample preparation, testing, calculations, documentation, and result reporting.
• Data Integrity: Produces complete, traceable, consistent, and reproducible laboratory results.
• Technical Leadership: Serves as a resource to laboratory colleagues and provides technical support within demonstrated areas of expertise.
• Problem Solving: Evaluates laboratory issues, identifies potential causes, and develops or recommends appropriate solutions.
• Time Management: Effectively manages multiple testing priorities and completes assigned objectives within established timelines.
• Communication: Clearly communicates testing status, analytical findings, technical issues, and risks verbally and in writing.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with laboratory colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
• Judgment & Escalation: Recognizes unexpected results, instrumentation issues, quality concerns, and timeline risks and raises them promptly.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned testing and follows work through to completion.
• Continuous Learning: Maintains and expands proficiency across analytical technologies, methods, systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Quality & Compliance: Consistently follows approved procedures and maintains high standards for laboratory quality and 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 personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work while wearing laboratory PPE, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves.
• Ability to remain stationary and move throughout the laboratory unassisted during the assigned shift.
• Ability to safely and carefully operate laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or use a stepladder as required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to see and read small print.
• Ability to work in a low-to-moderate noise environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to periodically reach overhead and to the side while performing laboratory activities.
• Ability to work the assigned 10-hour first shift, Sunday through Wednesday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and overtime as business needs require.

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