Analytical Lab Leader

Job Description

Grace is seeking an Analytical Lab Leader to join the Refining Catalysts catalyst evaluation R&D team. This role reports to the Director of Catalyst Evaluation and Services and is located at the Process Innovation Center (PIC) in Baltimore, MD. The primary function is to serve as the leader of the Analytical Laboratories located in Baltimore and Columbia, MD for the Refining Catalysts business. The role oversees laboratory operations, serves as the Subject Matter Expert for the labs, the primary point of contact for the FCC/ART Petroleum lab activities and leads a team of chemists and technicians to deliver high‑quality data supporting business objectives. The position includes initial support of design and startup of the new lab at the PIC, then transitioning to manage its ongoing operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the ART Petroleum Lab in Baltimore, MD supporting new product development and customer sample analysis, collaborating with R&D and commercial teams, and managing a team of chemists and technicians.
• Provide technical leadership for the FCC analytical lab in Columbia, MD, collaborating with the pilot plant leader, R&D and commercial teams.
• Maintain instruments, qualifications, calibration, documents, procedures, and records.
• Ensure quality‑system compliance and lab best practices.
• Lead method development, validation, implementation, standards compliance, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis.
• Advance analytical technologies and automation, and support capital investments.
• Lead safety culture in the labs, ensuring compliance with EHS policies, regulatory and quality standards.
• Travel up to 10%.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of analytical lab experience, including at least 3 years in personnel and lab management; OR
• MS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of analytical lab experience, including at least 3 years in personnel and lab management; OR
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of analytical lab experience, including at least 3 years in personnel and lab management.
• Expertise in analytical chemistry – chromatography, elemental analysis, and spectroscopy.
• Analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong data analysis and statistical interpretation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• People leadership and lab management experience.
• Experience with method development, validation, SPC, and analytical quality systems.
• Experience writing procedures and reports and communicating results to customers.
• Experience with automation, LIMS, and digital data management.
• Knowledge of ASTM or related analytical standards.
• Experience supporting catalyst, petrochemical, specialty chemical, or advanced materials programs.
• Strong communication skills.

Compensation

Annual Wage Range: $138,597.60 – $190,571.70

Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short‑Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with core hours
• Retirement Plans 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program