Analytical Chemist I

Overview of Position:

Analytical Chemists perform a variety of technical laboratory functions in the daily operation and maintenance of the chemistry laboratory. Analytical Chemists at AFL work with scientific instruments, including but not limited to: GC, GC/MS, HPLC, ICP-MS, LC/MS, UV-VIS, and FTIR.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related science discipline.

Infrequently, non-degreed candidates with extensive laboratory experience may be considered.

Minimum 1 year of experience in Analytical Chemist position.

Responsibilities:

Understand and follow the policies, procedures and SOPs of Analytical Food Laboratories including not only those involving laboratory work and management, but also those concerning ethics and conflict of interest and in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, NELAC and all other accrediting / certifying agencies.

Independently perform testing and/or quality control procedures and record data according to laboratory policies and procedures.

Produce accurate, defensible, traceable test results and report them in a timeframe consistent with client requirements. These results depend on

• Reviewing client test requests and comparing them to data results pages
• Following testing methods exactly (changes can only be made with the knowledge and permission of supervisors)
• Making sure that controls are in place during testing
• Notifying leads or managers of any problems with equipment, media, or the test method
• Keeping accurate, legible data and, if necessary, making corrections properly

Job duties:

Understand and practice the principles of Good Laboratory Practices and be able to use at least two of the following types of laboratory instruments:

HPLC

GC

ICP-MS

Understand and practice the principles of Good Laboratory Practices and be able to use one of the following laboratory equipment:

UV-VIS

FTIR

Safety hoods

Analytical balances

Analytical Chemists are responsible for using equipment according to instructions and for its intended purpose, as well as for informing designated members of lab management of any accidents in the department or any equipment malfunctions.

Understand the flow of samples through the chemistry lab and become proficient at each step including:

• Sample prep, including homogenization procedures
• Retention and disposal of samples
• Daily Quality Control Samples
• Troubleshooting and preventative maintenance of equipment

Understand and practice proper record keeping for each of the above activities. These records must be accurate, easily readable, properly corrected if necessary and traceable to the person who performed the recorded function.

Become familiar and proficient with the test methods and reagents used in the chemistry lab.

• Know where the laboratory SOPs and methods are located.
• Become familiar with the reference materials from which the methods are taken.
• Understand what a typical test should look like and be able to recognize possible problems.

Ability to perform a method transfer.

Be able to recognize reasonable results for a given client and/or test based on past testing history or client specifications and be responsible for reporting possible unacceptable/unusual results to the Lead Chemist & Chemistry Manager.

Actively participate in laboratory and equipment cleaning and maintenance.

Must be able to work at a lab bench for long periods of time.

Must be able to lift 35 pounds.

Be able to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Wet Chemist

Perform other duties as assigned by Management.