QC Analytical Chemist

Avantor; Carpinteria (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a QC Analytical Chemist in Carpinteria, California. This role involves providing analytical chemistry expertise for testing on silicone products and executing complex quantitative and qualitative analyses.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of analytical laboratory experience and a strong foundation in chemical analysis techniques. Responsibilities include maintaining documentation, training associates, and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of analytical laboratory experience with ICP and GC.
• Experience in silicone chemistry and polymer analysis preferred.
• Experience executing calibrations independently and using calibrated instruments.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex chemical analyses on samples.
• Analyze raw data, report results and maintain documentation.
• Operate and calibrate laboratory equipment and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Analytical Techniques

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Time Management

Education

AS in Chemistry or related program

BS in Chemistry or related program

Tools

Minitab

JMP

ICP

GC

HPLC

UV/Vis

FTIR

Job description

The Opportunity:

At Avantor, people are the most important part of our success because they drive our global performance. That’s why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent acquisition initiatives to attract, engage and hire the right talent. Avantor’s Quality control & Validation vertical is a crucial part of this mix, enabling all our internal teams worldwide to grow beyond their limits.

The QC Analytical Chemist provides analytical chemistry technical expertise for analytical testing on silicone products. Independently executes and troubleshoots analytical testing methods including physical chemical analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy and spectrometry, besides wet chemistry techniques.

Qualifications

• Education: AS in Chemistry or related program required. BS in Chemistry or related program preferred.
• Experience: 3+ years of analytical laboratory experience working with ICP and GC if AS obtained OR 1+ year of analytical laboratory hands‑on experience if BS obtained.
• Experience in silicone chemistry and polymer analysis preferred.
• Experience with polymer, silicone, elastomer or materials characterization testing preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of analytical techniques (ICP, GC-FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, tensile testing).
• Practical application of physical chemistry parameters (pH, pressure, temperature, viscosity, rheometry, etc.).
• Experience using calibrated instruments for analytical chemistry purposes.
• Experience executing calibrations independently including analytical standard preparation, calibration curve verification, report generation, designing new calibration curves specific to instrument response and testing requirements.
• Experience with Minitab, JMP, or other statistical analysis software preferred.
• Proper use of PPE and chemical safety.
• Experience providing training to others on lab procedures (preferred).
• Experience with technical writing (preferred).

Who You Are

• Comfortable working with hazardous substances like hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and following all associated safety procedures.
• Computer skills (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerBI).
• Science‑based intermediate math and statistics.
• Strong communication, time‑management, critical thinking, attention to detail and team‑player skills; ability to work independently and set own priorities to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Knowledge of silicone chemistry (preferred).
• Practical application of internal software like Product Lifecycle Management (Oracle Agile PLM) and ERP (SAP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in‑process samples, and final products (ICP‑OES, GC/FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, tensile testing, etc.).
• Analyze raw data, interpret and report results, maintain strict documentation (GDP) for compliance.
• Handle lifecycle of experimental samples, from submission to disposal.
• Operate and calibrate complex laboratory equipment; troubleshoot issues, escalating to external suppliers as needed.
• Perform standardized Analytical Chemistry Methods for non‑routine purposes, including validations, nonconformances, complaints, and opportunity analysis.
• Peer‑review work of other analytical chemists to ensure technical accuracy and conformance with established test method procedures.
• Provide training to other associates on QC test methods and equipment operating procedures; support internal and external audits.
• Investigate and troubleshoot unexpected results from complex analyses.
• Identify when analytical methods are inadequate, gather data to inform management, develop proposals for improvement, support validation of approved changes.
• Serve as analytical chemistry subject‑matter expert on cross‑functional teams for QC in project‑based work (opportunity analysis, product development, qualification & validation, investigative testing for defects and complaints, continuous improvement).
• Work closely with other functional teams, provide quality technical SME feedback for internal challenges.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards and industry regulations.
• Support safety culture in analytical spaces.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Conditions

• Majority of time indoors in office or production/laboratory environment with climate‑controlled lighting.
• Works with exceptionally dangerous, highly corrosive, and toxic substances.
• Periodic excursions to production floor.
• Frequent time in laboratory conditions requiring use of PPE.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail]. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Pay Transparency

The expected pre‑tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.