Chemist 2

Position Title: Chemist 2

Department: Gas Chromatography Chemistry Laboratory

OMIC USA, Inc. is an international Analytical Laboratory and is committed to global food health and safety through the analytical testing services we offer to our clients.

MISSION OF THE ROLE:

Chemist 2 performs an essential role in the Gas Chromatography (GC) department by providing analytical services and results accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner to clients through (1) analyzing samples using GC conventional, MS, MSMS and other detection techniques, (2) proposing improvements, (3) stabilizing analytical processes, and (4) contributing to innovation to achieve the Company’s mission and objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

1. Performs sample analysis as per documented methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

This includes but is not limited to:

1. Operating GC instrumentation equipped with conventional, MS, and MSMS detection.
2. Utilizing Agilent MassHunter Acquisition and Quantitative Analysis as well as Agilent OpenLAB CDS to analyze, interpret, and report test results, including QA/QC data.
3. Entering data into the LIMS for the tests performed and is responsible for the results.
4. Independently performing simple and complex (multi-screen test methods) analysis for routine and non-routine samples and complex matrix types. Issues with complex analyses are discussed with and potential solutions proposed to the Group Leader.
5. Depending on skill level and training, test responsibility may include: more complex or challenging analyses, advanced data interpretation, and independent decision making with little supervision or consultation needed.
6. Scheduling activities to provide accurate and timely service to support business requirements.
7. Ensuring that the samples are extracted and analyzed in accordance with registered and in-house validated methods.
8. Ensuring that reference materials and working standards are maintained and documented according to relevant LABs/SOPs.
9. Compiling and maintaining Internal Quality Control (IQC) data for analytes and tests assigned and performing periodic assessments of positive fortification extraction efficiency/recovery trends. Consults with Group Leader to determine cases where QC or analytical data do not meet acceptable criteria based on established procedures and suggests course(s) of action.
10. Remaining informed of hazards associated with chemicals, equipment, and their use in a laboratory setting. Works in a safe manner, using appropriate safeguards and personal protective equipment, to prevent injury to self and co-workers. Reports all accidents or unsafe working conditions to the safety committee or management.
1. Performs responsibilities and duties of Chemist 1; this may include extractions, as needed, assigned, and directed by the Group Leader.
2. Troubleshoots issues with analytical procedures and coordinates with Chemist 3 or Group Leader on resolutions.
3. Troubleshoots and performs routine, and preventative maintenance, verification, and calibration of Gas Chromatographic analytical instrumentation possessing conventional, MS, and MSMS detectors in accordance with documented procedures. Escalates to Chemist 3 or Group Leader if issues cannot be resolved.
4. Develops and updates controlled documents and SOPs, ensuring that current versions are up to date and are available to other Chemists.
5. As directed by Group Leader, may perform secondary review on data packages submitted by other Chemists for quality, accuracy, consistency, and completeness and ensures proper procedures are followed for ISO17025 compliance.
6. Participates in special analytical projects, as directed by Group Leader.
7. Develops improved and/or new methodology using published sources and finalizes supporting data which is verified by Chemist 3 or Group Leader.
8. Assists Chemist 3 and Group Leader with new equipment recommendations, implementation, instrument verification, and method optimization.
9. Assists Chemist 3 in R&D projects.
10. Contributes to the continuous improvement of laboratory operations by proposing and implementing changes for improving extraction/analysis quality, increasing extraction/analysis method performance, reducing cost, or shortening extraction/analysis time.
11. Obtains and retains an up-to-date knowledge of analytical techniques, equipment, and technologies. Participates in internal and external training as assigned. Participates in external professional and technical meetings for obtaining latest market insights, new technologies, and building networks as assigned and directed by Group Leader or Management.
12. Trains and mentors Chemists within department and is a resource to other Chemists as needed or directed.
13. Supports and provides assignments for Chemist 1 as directed by Group Leader.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Chemistry or related science from a four-year college or university in addition to at least 1 year of directly applicable laboratory experience in a Chemist 1 role: Extraction Chemist or Laboratory Technician; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Successful experience in working independently with and proven competency in daily operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Gas or Liquid Chromatographic instrumentation utilizing conventional, MS, and MSMS detectors
• Experience routinely analyzing and producing data packages for small and larger data sets
• Thorough understanding and demonstrable practical working knowledge of analytical instrumentation and data analysis software packages such as: Agilent MassHunter, Agilent OpenLAB CDS, or equivalent
• Analytical and extraction method troubleshooting, development, and optimization
• Successful experience of mentoring and training others, specifically in extraction, analytical, and instrument methodology
• Successful experience of collaborating with different business departments
• Familiar with the commercial fast-paced laboratory business environment
• Experience with participation in improvement and learning initiatives
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Able to gather and communicate technical information clearly, both orally and through writing, with respect to analytical and problem-solving skills
• High Emotional Intelligence
• Good cultural awareness and communication with people who have diverse backgrounds
• Experienced user of MS Office and Adobe Acrobat

PERFORMANCE FACTORS

• Quality of Work
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Knowledge and Skills
• Initiative
• Dependability

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write Standard Operating Procedures, analytical methods, reports, business correspondences, and additional laboratory documentation.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, and quadratic equations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 3 or more years, ideally, but at least 1 year of experience with GCMS and GCMSMS or equivalent LC instrumentation; routinely creating and running analytical sequences, performing primary data analysis and review, as well as compiling and submitting finalized data package deliverables in a commercial high-throughput laboratory environment
• 3 or more years, ideally, but at least 1 year of experience with analytical method development with an emphasis on optimization of MS and MSMS instrumentation and data acquisition parameters
• 3 or more years, ideally, but at least 1 year of experience specifically working with the following software platforms from Agilent: (1) MassHunter MS and MSMS Acquisition, (2) MassHunter MS and MSMS Quantitative Analysis, (3) MassHunter Qualitative Analysis, (4) Unknowns Analysis, and (5) OpenLAB CDS for traditional GC detectors
• 3 or more years, ideally, but at least 1 year of experience routinely analyzing, which includes screening, quantitation, and reporting, of large-scale pesticide panels (> 100 compounds per sample)
• Proficient hands-on experience and expertise in employing the QuEChERS extraction technique, along with processing and analyzing resulting data
• At least 1 year of experience with sample processing and extraction method development, particularly for pesticides and process contaminants in food matrices
• Experience with high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRMS) and/or cutting-edge new technologies
• Knowledge of other relevant technologies and markets
• Well-connected or having experience interacting with representatives of relevant external agencies and organizations
• Experience working in international businesses

OTHERS:

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

OJT in understanding company operating systems, including the maintenance and operation of laboratory extraction and analytical equipment, and passing the Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDOC) for existing SOPs or other laboratory procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be able to hear and understand instructions and handle items involving repetitive hand and wrist movement. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in a laboratory using laboratory extraction and analytical equipment. Employee may have exposure to hazardous chemicals and solvents. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.