Group Leader - Analytical Chemistry

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and throughput.
• Supervise the preparation and technical review of analytical data packages for global regulatory submissions (EPA, OECD).
• Ensure the lab maintains strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and internal quality protocols.
• Translate complex chemical findings into strategic business recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory compliance teams.
• Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross-functional team needs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and strategic analytical chemistry oversight across the enterprise.
• Oversee the design and optimization of complex analytical methods (e.g., impurity profiling, structural elucidation, and trace analysis) using state-of-the-art instrumentation (such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and Spectroscopy).
• Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non-routine data for active ingredients and formulated products.
• Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement. Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy.
• Stay informed with industry trends and scientific advancements.

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or a closely related scientific discipline.
• 10 years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, or Specialty Chemical industry.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership.
• Proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations.
• Advanced Instrumentation Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
• Regulatory Fluency: Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration.
• Analytical Problem Solving: A history of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non-conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis.
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization.

Experience Requirements

• Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
• Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration.
• A history of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non-conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis.
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization.

Professional Characteristics

• Mentorship-Focused: Dedicated to nurturing talent and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders within AMVAC.
• Scientific Visionary: Ability to look beyond daily tasks to see how analytical excellence drives the broader business strategy.
• Cultural Integration: Integrates diverse perspectives and practices into a cohesive team culture that supports the overall business strategy of AMVAC.
• Effective Communicator: Maintains open communication and collaboration across departments, fostering a unified approach to achieving development and corporation goals.
• Adaptability and Learning Agility: Thrives in a dynamic environment, adapting quickly to changes and making informed decisions amidst ambiguity to maintain project momentum.
• Decision-Making: Demonstrates agility in decision-making and ability to pivot strategies when necessary to achieve project goals.
• Strong Communication and Organizational Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong organizational abilities to work on complex projects and stakeholder interactions effectively.

Benefits

• Industry leading Medical, Dental, and Vision care.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Employee Stock Purchasing Plan.