Senior Analytical Chemist

FP Labs; Minnesota; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Analytical Chemist to lead a dynamic QC Laboratory team. This pivotal role involves ensuring that all production processes meet stringent quality and regulatory standards. You will spearhead the development and implementation of laboratory programs, guiding a team of chemists and microbiologists while fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement. If you have a passion for analytical chemistry and a commitment to excellence, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact within a collaborative environment focused on innovation and quality assurance.

Benefits

Flexible Spending Account

Dependent Care Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company Paid Short-Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Life/AD&D

Qualifications

• 10+ years in an FDA-regulated testing lab, with management experience preferred.
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation and technical document writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor QC staff, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations.
• Develop and maintain quality data and implement good laboratory practices.

Skills

Analytical Instrumentation

ICP

HPLC

Wet Chemistry Techniques

GC

Technical Writing

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Tools

ERP System

Job description

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $120,000.00 Annually

Job Summary

The Senior Analytical Chemist will lead the QC Laboratory team (analytical and microbiology) to develop, implement, and periodically evaluate all QC Laboratory programs to ensure the organization’s production operations, from raw materials to finished products, meet the quality, integrity, purity, and efficiency standards set by the industry and organization.

The primary responsibility of this position is to plan and direct the activities of the QC Laboratory and manage the performance of all services in accordance with internal goals and objectives, FDA regulations for OTCs and cosmetics, and company policies and procedures. This role will focus on customers’ expectations, preventing problems, and continuously improving results for themselves, customers, and other employees. The employee will provide support in developing and implementing laboratory programs, including tracking, analyzing, reporting, problem solving, and providing analytical expertise to the organization and customers. The Sr. Analytical Chemist takes the lead role in developing and maintaining a work environment that fosters employee participation and drives a high-performing team of Chemists and Microbiologists while instilling a quality-focused culture throughout the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead, hire, train, and mentor the quality control department’s staff, including all personnel in the QC Analytical and QC Microbiology teams.
2. Provide a positive example while directing and coordinating daily activities and process improvement initiatives within the QC Laboratory.
3. Determine appropriate methods working with staff to create and/or modify test methods, ensuring all methods are properly documented and followed according to company policies.
4. Develop and maintain quality data in the ERP system to release raw materials and finished products with a pristine level of quality and integrity.
5. Ensure QC Laboratory processes, procedures, and activities are in compliance with governing bodies such as FDA regulations for cosmetics and OTCs (21 CFR Parts 210 & 211), USP, local regulations, and environmental regulations on hazardous waste handling and disposal.
6. Lead, implement, and maintain good laboratory practices (GLPs).
7. Establish, schedule, and conduct effective training programs to promote a solid functional understanding of quality systems and quality-related tools for QC Lab staff.
8. Have full authority for meeting internal and customer standards, which may include the implementation of containment processes and/or other procedures.
9. Direct, plan, and implement systems to ensure internal and customer quality requirements are met and/or surpassed.
10. Maintain open and timely communication with all analytical and microbiological testing stakeholders and provide support to other departments and leadership to achieve company goals.
11. Determine, maintain, and communicate budgetary necessities to ensure adequate funds are allocated to run the QC Laboratory efficiently and effectively.
12. Develop, implement, and maintain an internal laboratory auditing program.
13. Be a subject matter expert (SME) on all analytical and quality control testing activities within the organization.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field.
2. 10+ years of progressive work experience in an FDA-regulated testing laboratory environment (cosmetic, OTC, or pharmaceutical industry preferred).
3. Minimum of 1 year managing direct reports in a laboratory setting (3 years preferred).

Skills and Proficiencies

1. Proficiency in running and maintaining analytical instrumentation and developing and performing analytical test methods, specifically ICP, HPLC, wet chemistry techniques, GC, refractometer, density, and pH.
2. Proficiency in writing technical documents, protocols, reports, and SOPs.
3. Ability to effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience, both verbally and in writing.
4. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in various group settings consisting of customers, cross-functional departments, peers, and senior leadership, and assess the level of disclosure of proprietary information based on the audience.
5. Ability to manage and develop the quality control department and staff.
6. Knowledge and experience utilizing industry-related resources to gather information, troubleshoot, and resolve quality issues.
7. Ability to work on multiple projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines with excellent time management.

COMPANY BENEFITS

1. Flexible Spending Account
2. Dependent Care Account
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4. Company Paid Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, & Life/AD&D