Project Chemist

Job Summary

The Project Chemist provides advanced analytical chemistry support for CF Industries manufacturing, distribution, product quality, and technical service organizations. The position serves as a technical resource for analytical investigations, unknown material identification, method development, laboratory continuous improvement initiatives, and complex data interpretation. Working closely with manufacturing locations, engineers, quality personnel, and laboratory teams across the CF network, the Project Chemist applies scientific expertise to support process reliability, product quality, troubleshooting investigations, and laboratory excellence initiatives. The position contributes to Laboratory Council projects and laboratory standardization efforts while helping advance analytical capabilities throughout the organization.

Major Responsibilities

• Perform advanced chemical analysis of process, product, environmental, and special investigation samples.
• Provide analytical support for reliability investigations, contamination studies, product quality events, and root cause analyses supporting manufacturing and distribution operations.
• Identify unknown materials, contaminants, and process deposits utilizing appropriate analytical techniques and scientific interpretation.
• Collaborate with engineers and technical personnel to provide analytical solutions to operational challenges.
• Develop, validate, improve, and document analytical methods supporting CF manufacturing and product quality objectives.
• Evaluate emerging analytical technologies and recommend improvements to laboratory capabilities.
• Coordinate analytical projects with external laboratories, academic institutions, equipment manufacturers, and technical consultants as needed.
• Support implementation of new analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Participate in cross-site projects focused on laboratory standardization and analytical consistency.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of laboratory technical standards, guidance documents, and training materials.
• Share technical knowledge and lessons learned with laboratory personnel across the CF network.
• Analyze complex analytical datasets and identify trends, correlations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize laboratory information systems, statistical tools, and business software to manage and communicate results.
• Present project findings and technical recommendations to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry required; MS/PhD or its equivalent in Chemistry, Physical Science or a related field highly desired.
• 3-5 years of experience in an industrial chemical manufacturing environment supporting operations and troubleshooting activities preferred.
• Advanced analytical chemistry methods including operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, IC, FTIR, ICP, spectroscopy systems, and other laboratory analytical platforms.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Position Scope

• Provides technical expertise and analytical support across multiple CF manufacturing, distribution, and laboratory locations. Works independently on analytical investigations and projects while collaborating with engineers, quality personnel, laboratory professionals, and external partners.
• Regularly communicates technical findings through written reports, presentations, project updates, and verbal discussions. Serves as a technical resource to stakeholders throughout the organization and influences decisions through scientific analysis and recommendations.
• Works on complex analytical challenges requiring scientific judgment, problem-solving skills, and interpretation of data from multiple sources. Frequently applies advanced analytical techniques to unique or non-routine situations.
• Exercises independent technical judgment within established laboratory procedures and project objectives. Recommends solutions and technical approaches while escalating significant business or operational decisions through leadership channels.
• Contributes technical expertise supporting laboratory excellence, analytical capability advancement, manufacturing reliability, and product quality initiatives across the CF laboratory network.

Pay & Benefits

• Estimated base pay: $94,700 - $124,900 (actual pay influenced by education, training, skills, qualifications, competencies, years of experience, job-related knowledge, and scope of the role).
• Incentive program available to all full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits package including two medical plan options, health savings plan with company contribution and match, dental and vision benefits, well-being incentive program.
• 401(k) Plan with potential employer contribution between 10% and 13%.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off programs.
• Flexible Work Arrangements to support work-life balance.