Senior Quality Scientist

Kelly; Beatrice (NE); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical in Beatrice, NE seeks a QA/QC Scientist to lead QA/QC initiatives within a rare earth processing facility. The role emphasizes analytical laboratory management, instrumentation oversight (ICP-OES/ICP-MS), and rigorous data integrity to support product quality and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will drive lab expansion, develop QA/QC protocols, and partner with engineering and operations to optimize processes and ensure timely COA issuance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, QA/QC Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field.
• 10+ years of QA/QC experience in chemical processing/manufacturing industry.
• Hands-on with ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS including method development or instrument oversight.
• Proven experience leading analytical laboratory operations and QA/QC programs.
• Experience managing multiple instruments and complex equipment systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement QA/QC procedures, methods, and lab protocols.
• Oversee daily lab operations, personnel, workflows, and testing activities (ICP-OES/MS).
• Manage instrument maintenance, calibration, qualification, troubleshooting, and data quality.
• Lead lab expansion, commissioning, and capacity projects.
• Ensure product specifications, COAs, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to optimize rare earth processes.
• Maintain safety, environmental, and quality standards across the lab.

Skills

QA/QC Leadership

Analytical Laboratory Oversight

Instrumentation Troubleshooting

Project Management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

Laboratory Instrumentation

Job description

QA/QC Scientist – Rare Earth Processing

Kelly Science & Clinical | Beatrice, NE

Direct Hire | Permanent Opportunity

Salary: $125,000–$150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Beatrice, Nebraska

Advance Your Career in Quality Assurance & Analytical Laboratory Leadership!

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking an experienced QA/QC Scientist for an exciting direct-hire opportunity in Beatrice, NE!

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled scientist to lead quality assurance and quality control initiatives within an innovative rare earth separation and processing facility. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in analytical laboratory management, instrumentation oversight, QA/QC protocol development, and chemical manufacturing operations.

In this highly visible role, you will play a critical part in ensuring product quality, optimizing laboratory performance, supporting facility expansion, and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• QA/QC Program Development: Design, implement, and continuously improve quality assurance and quality control procedures, analytical methods, and laboratory protocols.
  
• Analytical Laboratory Leadership: Oversee daily laboratory operations, personnel, workflows, and analytical testing activities, including ICP-OES and ICP-MS instrumentation.
  
• Laboratory Instrumentation Management: Direct instrument maintenance, calibration, qualification, troubleshooting, and performance verification to ensure operational readiness and reliable analytical results.
  
• Laboratory Expansion & Commissioning: Coordinate new equipment installations, instrument onboarding, laboratory capacity expansion, and commissioning activities.
  
• Product Quality & Documentation: Manage QA/QC data, verify product specifications, maintain accurate analytical records, and issue Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to support product release and shipping.
  
• Process & Production Support: Partner with engineering, operations, and technical teams to optimize rare earth separation processes, analyze feedstocks, and resolve quality-related challenges.
  
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure laboratory operations align with applicable safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve analytical efficiency, instrumentation reliability, data integrity, and overall laboratory performance.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, QA/QC Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
  
• 10+ years of QA/QC experience within chemical processing, manufacturing, or a related industrial environment.
  
• Hands-on experience with ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS, including analytical testing, method development, or instrument oversight.
  
• Proven experience managing analytical laboratory operations, technical personnel, and quality control programs.
  
• Demonstrated ability to oversee laboratories utilizing multiple analytical instruments and complex equipment systems.
  
• Strong background in instrument maintenance, calibration, qualification, troubleshooting, and operational readiness.
  
• Experience managing expanding instrumentation portfolios while maintaining data integrity, regulatory compliance, and laboratory efficiency.
  
• Experience supporting laboratory equipment installations, commissioning, and capacity expansion projects.
  
• Excellent organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rare earth elements, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, or specialty chemical manufacturing.
  
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and industrial laboratory safety practices.
  
• Experience supporting process optimization, facility commissioning, or manufacturing scale-up.
  
• Strong computer proficiency, technical documentation skills, and the ability to manage competing operational priorities.
  
• Adaptability and a proactive, hands-on leadership approach in an evolving manufacturing environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive Compensation: $125,000–$150,000 annually, based on qualifications and relevant experience.
  
• Direct-Hire Position: Permanent career opportunity.
  
• Leadership Impact: Take ownership of critical laboratory and quality operations.
  
• Innovative Industry: Contribute to advanced rare earth separation and processing technologies.
  
• Professional Growth: Play a key role in laboratory expansion, process improvement, and operational development.