Chemist 1 - LC Temporary

OMIC USA; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

OMIC USA, Inc. is a leading international analytical laboratory supporting global food, health, and safety testing programs.

The Chemist 1 role focuses on performing accurate extractions, preparing reagents, operating lab equipment, and contributing to continuous improvement of extraction processes. You will ensure timely, compliant results for client projects, document steps in SOPs, and collaborate with supervision to address equipment or procedure issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with sample preparation, extraction, and bench chemistry techniques.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Performs sample extractions as per documented methods and SOPs.
• Operates lab equipment and prepares reagents and standards.
• Documents QC checks and maintains a clean, safe workspace.
• Notifies supervisor of equipment issues and procedure deviations.
• Assists in revision and development of SOPs and procedures.

Skills

Sample preparation

Extraction techniques

Analytical thinking

Quality control

Documentation

MS Office proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science

Tools

pH meters

centrifuges

balances

vacuum pumps

water baths

pipettes

Job description

Description

OMIC USA, Inc. is an international Analytical Laboratory and is committed to global food, health and safety through the analytical testing services we offer to our clients.

MISSION OF THE ROLE:

Chemist 1 performs an essential role by providing analytical services and results accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner to clients through extracting samples, proposing improvements in their area, stabilizing the extraction processes, and contributing to innovation to achieve the Company’s mission and objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other duties may be assigned.

1. Performs sample extractions as per documented methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

This includes but is not limited to:

1. Performs routine extraction, chemical isolation, and sample clean-up using various techniques including blending, shaking, Soxhlet extraction, digestion, SPE, distillation/condensation, liquid-liquid partitioning, and chemical derivatization.
2. Independently documents and prepares reagents as well as analytical working standards according to current SOPs.
3. Operates laboratory apparatus and equipment including, but not limited to, blenders, nitrogen- and roto-evaporators, shakers, pH meters, and centrifuges.
4. Notifies supervisor of any equipment issues that require repair.
5. Informs supervisor of any deviations or changes to established procedures. Uses appropriate documentation for changes.
6. Completes extraction-related quality control (QC) checks and entries in forms as required by protocols and SOPs.
7. Maintains a clean and uncluttered working environment.
8. Remains informed of hazards associated with chemicals, equipment, and their use in a laboratory setting. Works in a safe manner, using appropriate safeguards and personal protective equipment, to prevent injury to self and co-workers. Reports all accidents or unsafe working conditions to the safety committee or management.
9. May perform observational results entry into the LIMS, including but not limited to, BRIX dilutions, moisture, and pH.
10. Troubleshoots issues with extraction procedures, sample processing issues (complex matrix types), lab contamination issues, as well as coordinates with supervisors on resolutions.
11. Troubleshoots, repairs, and performs or coordinates maintenance and verification of general laboratory instruments and equipment including pH meters (calibration), centrifuges, balances, vacuum pumps, water baths, freezers, pipettes, etc.
12. Assists in revision and development of controlled documents and SOPs.
13. Assists Chemist 2 and 3 with reference calibration standard preparation as required.
14. Assists Chemist 3 in R&D projects – extraction and any other bench work required.
15. Contributes to the continuous improvement of laboratory operations by proposing and implementing changes for improving extraction quality, increasing extraction method performance, reducing cost, and/or shortening extraction time.
16. Support Sample Preparation, glassware and labware cleaning, and other Chemists as required or directed.
17. May assist in training specific tasks, depending on experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Required

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry or related science from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with sample preparation, extraction, and general bench chemistry techniques
• Experience with using and maintaining laboratory support equipment such as pH meters, centrifuges, balances, vacuum pumps, water baths, freezers, pipettes, etc.
• Some related experience or training in a laboratory setting
• Improvement initiatives
• Learning initiatives
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• High Emotional Intelligence
• Professionalism
• Good cultural awareness and communication with people who have diverse backgrounds
• Experienced user of MS Office and Adobe Acrobat

PERFORMANCE FACTORS

• Quality of Work
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Knowledge and Skills
• Initiative
• Dependability

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write Standard Operating Procedures, analytical methods, reports, business correspondences, and additional laboratory documentation.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, and quadratic equations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: Preferred

• Some analytical experience in LC/GC/Inorganic instrumentation
• Experience working in international businesses

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

OJT in understanding company operating systems, including the maintenance and operation of general laboratory extraction and analytical equipment, and passing the Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDOC) for existing SOPs or other laboratory procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be able to hear and understand instructions and handle items involving repetitive hand and wrist movement. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in a laboratory using general laboratory extraction and analytical equipment. Employee may have exposure to hazardous chemicals and solvents. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.