Chemist

Description

Job Overview:

The Chemist is responsible for performing chemical analyses, certifying finished products, and supporting research and laboratory operations to ensure product quality, process efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This role conducts analytical testing using wet chemistry techniques, develops and improves laboratory methods, interprets analytical data, and collaborates with internal teams and customers to support product performance. The position also manages laboratory equipment, supplies, safety documentation, and quality records while maintaining a safe and efficient laboratory environment.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Certify finished products manufactured at plant prior to shipment.
• Perform chemical and metals analyses on raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, customer samples, and other submitted samples.
• Coordinate with Customer Service to prepare and distribute product samples to customers and third-party laboratories for routine metals analysis.
• Conduct analytical testing using wet chemistry techniques and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop, validate, and improve laboratory methods and analytical techniques.
• Interpret analytical results and prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Analyze testing data to evaluate product quality, process performance, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Investigate analytical discrepancies and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Travel periodically throughout the United States and, when required, Canada to perform customer field testing, including jar testing, sealed vessel testing, dewatered solids testing, phosphorus testing, and dissolved sulfide testing.
• Prepare testing reports and communicate findings to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain, secure, transport, and troubleshoot all mobile laboratory testing equipment.
• Maintain laboratory glassware by collecting, cleaning, washing, sterilizing, and distributing laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory supplies and consumables are adequately stocked by monitoring inventory, placing purchase orders, and verifying receipts.
• Operate, calibrate, inspect, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and coordinate repairs when necessary.
• Maintain daily laboratory logs, equipment maintenance records, calibration documentation, and analytical records.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and analytical processes to minimize downtime.
• Manage and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals and materials used at the manufacturing plant.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with company policies, quality standards, and applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, customer service, and technical specialists to interpret analytical data and support product performance.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance laboratory efficiency, analytical accuracy, and product quality.
• May provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to laboratory personnel as assigned. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles and wet chemistry methodologies.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to develop and improve analytical methods.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in maintaining laboratory documentation and technical reports.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory information systems is preferred.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision while exercising sound technical judgment.
• Ability to travel periodically throughout the United States and Canada as business needs require.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline required.
• Laboratory experience with an emphasis on wet chemistry techniques required.
• Experience performing chemical analyses and interpreting laboratory data.
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment, documentation, and quality records preferred.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or industrial laboratory operations is preferred.
• Field testing or customer technical support experience is a plus.