QC Analytical Chemist

About the role

The QC Analytical Chemist provides analytical chemistry technical expertise for analytical testing on silicone products. Independently executes and troubleshoots analytical testing methods including physical chemical analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy and spectrometry, besides wet chemistry techniques.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and final products.
• Analyzes raw data, interprets and reports results, and maintains strict documentation (Good Documentation Practices) for compliance purposes.
• Handles the lifecycle of experimental samples, from submittal to disposal.
• Regularly operates and calibrates complex laboratory equipment, including spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and spectrometers.
• Autonomously determines and troubleshoots issues, escalating to external suppliers when solutions are not within the scope of the Analytical Chemistry lab personnel.
• Independently performs standardized Analytical Chemistry Methods for non-routine purposes, both on commercial and under-development products. This includes validations, nonconformances, complaints, and opportunity analysis.
• Peer-reviews work of other analytical chemists to ensure that it is technically accurate and in conformance with established test method procedures.
• Provides training to other associates on QC Test Methods and Equipment Operating Procedures.
• Supports internal and external audits.
• Independently investigate and troubleshoot unexpected results from complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.
• Identify when analytical methods are inadequate and/or subject to improvement, gathering and organizing data to inform management. Upon direction, develop proposals for appropriate action that ensures compliance and efficiency.
• Hands-on support for validation approved changes to test methods.
• Provides analytical chemistry subject matter expertise in cross-functional teams on behalf of QC in project-based work. This includes opportunity analysis and product development, qualification & validation, investigative testing for defects and complaints, continuous improvement.
• Leads the analytical workload execution of projects with time scales
• Works closely with other functional teams and provides Quality technical SME feedback for internal challenges (Ex. Production or development issues).
• Ensures compliance with company quality standards and industry regulations to maintain quality within the scope of the job description. This includes documentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: AS in Chemistry or related program required. BS in Chemistry or related program preferred.
• Experience: 3+ years of analytical laboratory experience working with ICP and GC if AS Obtained OR 1+ year of analytical laboratory hands-on experience if BS obtained.
• Experience in silicone chemistry and polymer analysis preferred.
• Experience with polymer, silicone, elastomer, or materials characterization testing preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., ICP, GC-FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, tensile testing).
• Practical application of physical chemistry parameters (pH, pressure, temperature, viscosity, rheometry, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience using calibrated instruments for analytical chemistry purposes.
• Experience executing calibrations independently. More specifically, analytical standard preparation, calibration curve verification, report generation, designing new calibration curves specific to instrument response and testing requirements.
• Experience with Minitab, JMP, or other statistical analysis software preferred.
• Proper use of PPE and chemical safety.
• Experience providing training to others on lab procedures (preferred).
• Experience with technical writing (preferred).

Qualifications

• Shall be comfortable working with hazardous substances like hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid with the ability to follow all associated safety procedures.
• Computer Skills (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerBI).
• Science-based intermediate math and statistics.
• Good communication skills.
• Time-management skills.
• Critical thinking.
• Attention to detail.
• Team-player: ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Able to work independently and set own priorities to reliably achieve deadlines.
• Knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Knowledge of silicone chemistry (preferred).
• Practical application of internal software like Product Lifecycle Management software (Oracle Agile PLM) and ERP (SAP) preferred.

Skills

• Experience with polymer, silicone, elastomer, or materials characterization testing preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., ICP, GC-FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, tensile testing).
• Practical application of physical chemistry parameters (pH, pressure, temperature, viscosity, rheometry, etc.).
• Experience with Minitab, JMP, or other statistical analysis software preferred.
• Proper use of PPE and chemical safety.
• Experience providing training to others on lab procedures (preferred).
• Experience with technical writing (preferred).

Benefits

Avantor is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

Schedule

Majority of time indoors in either office conditions in a climate-controlled setting with fluorescent & natural light or in a production/laboratory environment. Works with exceptionally dangerous, highly corrosive, and toxic substances. Periodic excursions to production floor. Frequent time in laboratory conditions requiring the use of PPE.