Chemist II - Nutrition Lab

Job description

The Chemist II is a technical anchor for the analytical laboratory, taking meaningful ownership of day-to-day operations while working closely with the Lab Manager to keep the team running at a high standard. You'll lead method development, validation, and optimization work; keep analytical instrumentation — HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, UV-Vis, FTIR — in peak condition; and serve as a go-to resource when nonconformance events (OOS, OOT, deviations) require thorough root cause investigation and CAPA follow-through. Compliance with ISO 17025 and regulatory standards is woven into everything this role touches, from audit readiness to SOP development. Beyond the bench work, this is a mentoring role — you'll shape how junior staff approach their craft and contribute to a culture where safety and continuous improvement aren't afterthoughts. If you take quality seriously and want room to actually lead, this position is built for that. ### Key Responsibilities - **Analytical Testing:** Perform and develop chemical analyses on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products with high accuracy and precision - **Documentation & Reporting:** Prepare protocols, collect and analyze data, maintain laboratory records/logbooks, and present findings with recommendations - **Lab Equipment Maintenance:** Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and lab equipment to ensure optimal performance - **Nonconformance Handling:** Identify and report Out of Specification, Out of Trend, or deviation events. Support root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation - **Method Development & Validation:** Lead method development, optimization, verification, and validation activities in accordance with internal and regulatory requirements - **Documentation Development and Maintenance**: Draft, update, review, audit, and update lab related SOPs, protocols, plan, working instructions, statements, templates, spreadsheets as requested - **Regulatory Compliance:** Support audits (internal & external) and ensure continuous adherence to ISO 17025 and other regulatory mandates - **Training & Mentoring:** Provide technical guidance and training to junior staff and lab technicians; assist in monitoring lab performance metrics (e.g., KPIs) - **Continuous Improvement and Cross-functional Team Support:** Undertake temporary assignments or continuous improvement projects assigned by quality management - **Safety and Housekeeping:** Promote safe laboratory practices. Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment ### Required Education and Experience - **Education**: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field - **Experience:** 5 or more years in a chemical lab with hands-on experience in analytical methods and instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, UV-Vis, FTIR), method validation/verification, equipment troubleshooting, Out of Trend/ Out of Specification investigations, ISO 17025 compliance, and project management - **Essential Skills/Knowledge**: Proficient in data analysis, Microsoft Office, LIMS, and lab data systems ### Environment and/or Physical Factors - Frequent Walking - Seldom lifting (up to 50 pounds), squatting, climbing, standing, bending - Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices including the proper wearing of clean protective clothing, following personal hygiene standards, and adherence to food/drink/tobacco restrictions ### Benefits - Medical, Dental and Vision benefits which start the 1st of the month after hire - Annual incentive bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance - Tax advantaged health savings and spending accounts - 401k eligibility with company match and annual discretionary contribution - Time off: vacation, holidays/floating holidays, personal and sick days - Company provided Life and Disability Insurance - Paid Parental Leave - Fitness Membership Reimbursement Program - Educational assistance program *The benefits set forth in this posting reflect Innophos’ current benefits for similarly situated employees, are subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the applicable program policies and may be modified or discontinued by Innophos in the future (subject to applicable law).*