Senior Scientist - Reference Standards

LabRulez; Bellefonte (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Unlimited sick time

Onsite fitness center

Wellness program with incentives

Childcare reimbursement

Adoption assistance

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Job summary

Restek is seeking a Senior Scientist - Reference Standards in Bellefonte (US). The role focuses on synthesizing and purifying reference standards, including PFAS and PAHs, and transferring optimized processes to Manufacturing. You will mentor junior chemists, document results, and present findings.

You will perform hands-on chemistry at the bench, with occasional internal travel, while adhering to EH&S guidelines and company SOPs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of relevant chemistry experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience with organic synthesis and purification techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, and chromatography.
• Strong documentation habits and the ability to write clear thorough SOPs.
• Experience with PFAS, PAHs, pesticides, or similar compound classes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify, and optimize reference standard compounds, including PFAS, PAHs, and pesticides.
• Perform hands-on synthesis and purification work using small scale synthesis equipment and chromatography.
• Write and maintain SOPs and experience reports documenting procedures and results.
• Support the transfer of optimized processes into Manufacturing, partnering with Analytical Development and Product Management.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Purification techniques

SOP writing

Bench work

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

LC-MS prep systems

Small scale synthesis equipment

Job description

Scientific and Research Fellow, Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Restek is a world leader in the development and manufacturing of chromatography products — designed by chromatographers — that offer increased sample throughput, faster separations, and reduced cycle times. The Restek portfolio includes gas chromatography (capillary) columns, columns for high-performance and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC and UHPLC), reference standards and other chromatography standards and accessories. Their products are designed by chromatographers for chromatographers, engineered for durability and performance, and supported by a database of applications data.

Senior Scientist - Reference Standards

What You Will Do

• Synthesize, purify, and optimize reference standard compounds, including PFAS, PAHs, and pesticides, prioritizing the materials our customers need most.
• Perform hands on synthesis and purification work using small scale synthesis equipment, distillation, recrystallization, and manual and automated chromatography, including LC-MS prep systems.
• Write and maintain clear SOPs and experience reports documenting synthesis and purification procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Support the transfer of optimized processes into Manufacturing, partnering closely with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Product Management.
• Mentor and train junior chemists as you become established in the role, serving as a go to technical resource for synthesis and purification.
• Prepare and deliver internal technical presentations, with only occasional travel (about one to two weeks per year).
• Follow safe working procedures for the chemicals and materials you work with, in line with Restek's Environmental Health and Safety guidelines.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of relevant chemistry experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience (a Ph.D. is a plus but not required).
• Hands-on experience with organic synthesis and purification techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, and chromatography.
• Comfort working independently at the bench, with a preference for applied, hands on chemistry over pure research.
• Strong documentation habits and the ability to write clear thorough SOPs.
• Experience with PFAS, PAHs, pesticides, or similar compound classes is a plus.
• Willingness to mentor others and share technical knowledge with the team.

This position will require the successful completion of a standard background check in accordance with Restek policy. Employment with Restek will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

What Makes Restek Unique

• We prioritize work-life balance and well-being with offerings like generous PTO, unlimited sick time, onsite fitness center and wellness program with incentives, childcare reimbursement, and adoption assistance—giving you the tools to Own Your Well-Being.
• Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and robust 8% retirement contributions, you can Own Your Financial Futurewhile sharing in the success you help create.
• Our commitment to development ensures you can Own Your Growththrough learning opportunities, career advancement programs, and a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork.

We are an equal opportunity employer, considering applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Restek provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable laws.