Scientist II

Central Garden & Pet Company; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

401k match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company in Dallas, TX is seeking a Scientist to support analytical testing and new registrations in a salaried, on-site role. The position requires lab presence five days per week and involves instrument maintenance (HPLC, GC) and data documentation.

The candidate should have strong analytical and organic chemistry background, experience with HPLC/UPLC/GC, and good communication to report to project teams.

Qualifications

• Role requires high competence in analytical and organic chemistry.
• Biochemistry, physical chemistry and math support experimental design and problem solving.
• Proficiency in method development and validation (HPLC/UPLC/GC).
• Experience with Mass Spectrometers is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication to convey analytic results.

Responsibilities

• Perform analyses per supervisor or established procedures.
• Develop and validate new test procedures for chemical analysis for regulatory requirements.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate HPLC and GC instrumentation.
• Familiar with DSC, TGA, Karl Fischer, FTIR techniques.
• Record data in notebooks or LIMS following GLP/GMP.
• Prepare SOPs and ensure compliance with GLP/GMP and EPA/FDA guidelines.
• Present reports to Project Teams and participate in commercialization discussions.
• Stay updated on technical developments through courses and seminars.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Organic chemistry

Biochemistry

Physical chemistry

Mathematics

Method development (HPLC/UPLC/GC)

Mass spectrometry

Verbal & written communication

LIMS experience

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Master's in Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

GC

Mass spectrometer

DSC

Job description

**This position is not eligible for US employment sponsorship**

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT and CENTA), is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden supplies markets. The Central Life Sciences (CLS) business unit is dedicated to delivering insect management solutions for challenging pests in livestock, grain storage and processing, horticulture, turf, specialty food crops, along with mosquito control for municipalities throughout the United States.

CLS is seeking one experienced Scientist to join our dynamic team of employees who work safely, show up every day, and are committed to their work. They will p rovide support of existing products and new registrations by obtaining results through analytical testing. Successful applicants will maintain and operate laboratory instruments and equipment and assist senior chemists in performing analyses and routine tasks. If you are ready to make a visible impact on new and existing innovation, then we want you on our team! We offer a comprehensive benefits package, education assistance program and access to on-demand pay, and because our employees are so important, we have onsite events throughout the year to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

This position is a salaried, on-site, laboratory position which requires employees to be in the lab 5 days/week in our Dallas, TX facility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform analyses that are specified by supervisor or as outlined in established instructions or procedures. Work is subject to guidance and review by group leadership.
• Assist in developing and validating new test procedures for chemical analysis to meet requirements by regulatory agencies.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate complex laboratory instrumentation such as High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography.
• Familiar with physical chemical characterization techniques such as DSC, TGA, Karl Fischer, and molecular spectroscopy techniques such as FTIR.
• Accurately record experimental data and findings in laboratory notebooks or LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) following Good Documentation Practices.
• Assist in preparing appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) protocols and regulatory requirements. Assure that all work done is in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) set by all appropriate government agencies and is properly documented. Maintains proficiency in US EPA and FDA guidelines.
• Serve as an Analytical Chemistry representative on assigned Project Teams and follow the Commercialization Process for development of new products. Prepare written reports and presentations on the planning, progress and status of activities in analytical chemistry to the Project Teams.
• Keep abreast of current and emerging technical developments through available information resources and continued education at courses and seminars.

QUALIFICATIONS

• This role requires a high competence in analytical chemistry and organic chemistry.
• Aspects of biochemistry, physical chemistry, and mathematics such as algebra and statistics are also required to support experimental design and approaches to problem solving.
• Proficiency in method development (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and validation is required.
• Experience in use and maintenance of Mass Spectrometers is a plus
• Candidates must have superior verbal and written communication skills to convey complex aspects of analytical results to those with little or no chemical background.
• Familiarity with the use of laboratory instruments used for physical and chemical testing coupled with understanding the complexities of instrumental analysis through special insight gained from years of training and experience.
• Prior experience and technical capability in using laboratory computer systems, office computer systems and applications is required.
• Candidates must be willing to accept guidance from senior members of the Analytical staff.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Bachelors in Chemistry or equivalent and 6+ years professional analytical laboratory experience
• OR Masters in Chemistry or equivalent and 4+ years professional analytical laboratory experience
• OR PhD in Chemistry or equivalent and 2+ years professional analytical laboratory experience

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position involves the occasional handling of large equipment and supplies necessary for the everyday operation of the analytical laboratory (for example: chemical waste containers and large compress gas cylinders). Also, very large sample sizes are sometimes encountered.
• Physical exertion commensurate with the handling of such materials and the ability to move as much as 25 pounds is required.
• Standard procedures must be carefully followed in working with potentially hazardous equipment and materials. There is exposure to equipment and materials at extremely high temperatures (ovens and GCs), and cryogenic temperatures (liquid nitrogen). Appreciation for the safe handling of flammable liquids, compressed gases, acids, bases, and toxic chemicals is required.
• The use of a hard hat, respirator mask, and other safety equipment is necessary at times.
• Work hours are divided between the office and the analytical laboratories. Safety apparel is required in the lab or production areas, i.e. safety glasses (always), lab coat, gloves, dust masks (as appropriate).
• The use of a hard hat, respirator mask, and other safety equipment may be necessary at times.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Best Bully Sticks, Cadet, C&S, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Kaytee, Nylabone, Pennington, Sevin and Zoёcon. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.