Packaging Analytics Chemist – Quality & Investigations Lead

SONOCO CANADA; Wantage; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoco Canada seeks an analytical chemistry specialist to support packaging sciences research and manufacturing operations. You will generate high-quality data, lead investigations, and provide clear recommendations to internal teams, suppliers and customers.

Responsibilities include developing analytical methods, solving technical issues, mentoring apprentices, and ensuring traceability and compliance while maintaining lab equipment and safety standards.

Qualifications

• BSc in Chemistry or equivalent and relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience with IC and ICP-OES instruments.
• Experience in analytical or food chemistry labs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance workload with on-the-job training.
• Commitment to safe-working practices.
• Ability to work in a team and be self-motivated.
• Mentoring junior lab members (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Provide analytical chemistry expertise and technical support across the business, delivering clear conclusions and recommendations through reports and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and coordinate investigations to support manufacturing sites, customers and R&D teams in resolving technical issues and complaints.
• Develop and improve analytical methods and processes to enhance Sonoco's testing capabilities and problem-solving expertise.
• Conduct investigations relating to food and water analysis, quality and process support for manufacturing sites, contaminant and foreign body identification, food contact regulatory compliance, taint and odour assessments, as well as other analytical chemistry projects.
• Generate accurate, reliable and traceable analytical data using a range of laboratory techniques.
• Interpret technical results and produce timely reports with clear findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure it remains calibrated, serviced and fit for purpose.
• Support laboratory housekeeping, quality standards and continuous improvement activities.
• Share knowledge and provide technical guidance, training and support to colleagues and apprentices.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

IC and ICP-OES

Lab skills

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Autonomous

Mentoring

MS Office

Education

BSc in Chemistry or equivalent

Higher degree in analytical chemistry

Tools

GCMS

DSC

FTIR

Job description

Sonoco Canada seeks an analytical chemistry specialist to support packaging sciences research and manufacturing operations. You will generate high-quality data, lead investigations, and provide clear recommendations to internal teams, suppliers and customers.

Responsibilities include developing analytical methods, solving technical issues, mentoring apprentices, and ensuring traceability and compliance while maintaining lab equipment and safety standards.