Chemist I

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Alternatives International, Inc. in Vista, CA is seeking a QC Analyst to perform routine analytical testing of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished products and stability samples.

The role requires hands-on experience in an analytical laboratory, familiarity with HPTLC, HPLC, ICPMS, UV, FTIR, pH and titrations, and strong record-keeping. The candidate should be able to work in a team and comply with cGMP/cGLP guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years hands-on experience in an analytical lab; related industry preferred.
• HPTLC, HPLC and ICPMS experience highly desirable; familiarity with Camag, Empower and MassHunter software.
• Excellent computer skills with MS Word and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work in a team.
• Knowledge of cGMP and cGLP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analysis of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished products and stability samples using chromatography, spectroscopy, and separation techniques.
• Process, interpret and report testing results in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare sample, standard and reagent solutions as required by test methods.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records and logs for all analyses.
• Ensure compliance with safety guidelines and accurate documentation in LIMS and lab notebooks.

Skills

Analytical lab experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related science

Tools

Camag

Empower

MassHunter

Excel

Word

Job description

Perform routine analysis of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished products and stability samples using various analytical methodologies (chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques). Process, interpret and report testing results in a timely and professional manner. Comply with all applicable regulations and policies.

Perform routine testing of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished products and stability samples in support of production and R&D.

Conduct analytical (HPLC, HPTLC, ICPMS, UV, FTIR, Karl Fisher, pH, titrations, USP monographs etc.) and physical (LOD, weight uniformity etc.) testing per established lab standard operating procedures.

Perform testing with accuracy and precision, Maintain accurate and detailed records.

Prepare sample, standard and reagent solutions as required by the test methods.

Handle and store all chemicals according to safely guidelines. Ensure that chemicals are within their respective shelf life and that the adequate standards are used for the assays.

Assist in the maintenance of an up-to-date and accurate chemicals and supplies inventory.

Operate and maintain general laboratory equipment (pipettes, pH meters, analytical balances, ovens…) and instruments (IR, TLC, UV, HPLC…).

Troubleshoot instrument errors as needed. Ensure that adequate documentation is kept in the appropriate equipment logbook. Promptly report incidents to supervisor or designee.

Communicate testing status in a timely and effective manner to management and the lab coordinators.

Process and report testing data in a timely manner, submit to a chemist for peer review, then management for final approval.

Perform peer review of data and reports generated by chemistry technicians.

Ensure that all the necessary documentation is completed for each sample. Carefully enter all pertinent data in analyst notebooks, electronic databases (LIMS), test request forms and lab reports.

Keep work area safe, clean, and organized, wash glassware and other labware as needed.

Participate in the waste disposal program of the lab hazardous materials.

Learn and demonstrate proficiency in new analytical methodologies as assigned by the supervisor, manager or designee.

Report to work on time and follow all company procedures and guidelines.

Comply with cGMP, cGLP and other applicable government regulations, as well as company compliance guidelines, standards, and objectives.

Perform other duties as assigned and directed by QC management.

Qualifications

BS or BA degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related science degree.

Minimum 2 years hands-on experience in an analytical lab, preferably in a related industry.

HPTLC, HPLC and ICPMS experience highly desirable, including familiarity with instruments software Camag,Empower and MassHunter.

Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work in a team environment.

Quality minded and detail oriented individual able to carry out assignments in a thorough, conscientious fashion.

Ability to multi-task and adjust to changes in workflow priorities to meet deadlines, while adhering to safe laboratory practices.

Quick and eager learner able to easily adopt new instrumentation and methodology.

Experience with cGMP and cGLP a plus.

Physical Demands

• Able to work with and around hazardous materials, chemicals, and equipment
• Regularly required to communicate with others (talk and hear)
• Required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls
• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Computer workstation and climate-controlled office environment. Analytical laboratory requiring use of PPE (lab coats, gloves, lab glasses, and any additional PPE as necessary). May occasionally enter production areas where personal protective equipment might be required to prevent or lessens exposure to airborne powdered nutritional supplement substances.

NAI is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, intersectionality, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Upon this conditional offer of employment, a satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) with submission and passing a pre-employment post offer drug test is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position. Upon successful completion of the background check process, we will determine the date when your employment begins. NAI utilizes E-Verify to electronically verify employment eligibility.