Sr. Analytical Chemist - Personal Care

ZipRecruiter; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical company in Salisbury is seeking a Senior Analytical Chemist to support the development of synthesis and formulation processes. The role focuses on analytical method development and requires a PhD in Analytical Chemistry along with 5+ years of relevant industry experience. Candidates should possess skills in chromatography, spectroscopy, and problem-solving, and be able to collaborate effectively with development teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience, ideally within personal care or specialty chemicals.
• Hands-on expertise in at least two analytical areas such as chromatography and spectroscopy.
• Excellent communication skills - verbal, written, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the analytical subject-matter expert for assigned business areas.
• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods for complex matrices.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues related to product quality and contamination.

Skills

Analytical method development

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Microscopy

Job description

Job Description

Senior Analytical Chemist

Location: Salisbury, NC
Work Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Technical Manager
Department: Technical / R&D

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Analytical Chemist to support the development of synthesis and formulation processes for new and existing products. This role will focus on analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting across a variety of complex materials and blends. The position requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with process development teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the analytical subject-matter expert for assigned business areas, ensuring timely and accurate testing support.

• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods for complex matrices and product blends.

• Investigate and resolve technical issues, including product quality concerns and contamination cases.

• Provide technical solutions through application of advanced chemical knowledge.

• Manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment, ensuring work can be reprioritized with minimal disruption.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and support upkeep of analytical instruments; assist with consumables management and service contracts.

• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures, including recordkeeping, risk assessments, and reporting of incidents.

• Drive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities and knowledge across the team.
  
  

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry (or equivalent).

• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in a related field (10 years ), ideally within personal care, specialty chemicals, or related manufacturing environments.

• Hands-on expertise in at least two of the following areas:

  • Chromatography

  • Spectroscopy (thermal, physical)

  • Mass spectrometry

  • Microscopy

• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques such as titration, solids/salts analysis, and activity testing.

• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and chemical reaction principles.

• Excellent communication skills - verbal, written, and presentation.

• Industry experience with personal care and/or surfactant synthesis is strongly .
  

Desired Skills and Experience

-Has a PhD in Chemistry and has heavy on the bench experience.
-Experience Personal Care surfactants (90%) with some extensions into Home Care, Laundry, Mining, etc.
-Can support Synthesis Process development from bench through full plant scale

Oscar Associates Limited (US) is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.