QC Chemist

About the role

The QC Chemist works in a quality control laboratory within a pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing environment in the Milwaukee area. This role focuses on release and in-process testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished API products using a wide range of analytical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform release and in-process testing of raw materials, intermediates, test materials, and finished API products in accordance with written methods and procedures.
• Follow all applicable procedures, specifications, and test methods, ensuring full compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Execute wet chemistry and analytical chemistry techniques to support quality control activities.
• Operate and utilize laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), IC, and a soon-to-be-installed ICP-MS, to perform routine and specialized analyses.
• Interpret chromatography data and other analytical results, using data management systems such as Chemstation or Chromeleon where applicable.
• Assess whether materials meet specifications for release and document decisions clearly and accurately.
• Perform and review critical and complex calculations to support analytical testing and data evaluation.
• Prepare and standardize volumetric solutions to support routine and non-routine testing.
• Clearly document all GMP activities accurately and legibly, maintaining complete and compliant laboratory records.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on QC instrumentation to ensure reliable operation.
• Review data calculations for validation activities and ensure accuracy of analytical results.
• Provide information and documentation responses in cases of customer complaints or returns, supporting investigations and resolutions.
• Write procedures, test methods, protocols, reports, and material specifications to support laboratory operations and continuous improvement.
• Support a culture of consistent compliance by participating in training, providing guidance, and reviewing procedures as needed.
• Meet deadlines and testing schedules established by quality control leadership.
• Participate in a structured training process, progressing from observing tests, to performing tests under supervision, to independently executing tests.
• Handle laboratory supplies such as columns, liners, and septa, and ensure proper setup and use of analytical equipment.
• Lift up to 25 pounds as needed to handle materials, reagents, and equipment in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology.
• 2–3 years of experience as a chemist in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC and GC in a quality control or analytical laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), and IC.
• Ability to interpret and review analytical and chromatographic data accurately.
• Strong competency in performing and verifying critical and complex calculations.
• Experience working under GMP or similar regulated quality systems, with the ability to document activities clearly and legibly.
• At least 2 years of experience using Excel for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Capability to prepare and standardize volumetric solutions and perform wet chemistry techniques.
• Ability to write clear and concise procedures, test methods, protocols, reports, and material specifications.
• Capacity to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on QC instrumentation.
• Ability to assess whether materials meet specifications for release based on analytical results.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds as part of laboratory duties.

Skills

• Experience with data management systems such as Chemstation or Chromeleon.
• Familiarity with NMR and broader analytical chemistry techniques.
• Experience with API, flavor and fragrance, or specialty chemical environments.
• Comfort working in smaller organizations where chemists gain exposure to a wide range of analytical equipment and responsibilities.
• Interest in contributing to analytical development, method development, and validation activities.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in all laboratory work.
• Ability to work collaboratively with another chemist and cross-functional teams in both laboratory and manufacturing settings.

Work Environment

The QC Chemist works in a quality laboratory that supports API, flavor and fragrance, and specialty chemical manufacturing. The role involves primarily laboratory-based work with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor. The laboratory uses a broad range of analytical technologies, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), IC, and a soon-to-be-installed ICP-MS, providing extensive hands-on experience with modern analytical equipment.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62,000.00 - $62,000.00/yr. Kingchem Laboratories offers a range of internal employee benefits designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being. Employees typically have access to competitive health insurance options, retirement savings plans, and paid time off to promote work-life balance.

Schedule

Work is conducted on a first-shift schedule, with initial training typically running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a standard shift of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.