Entry Level / Assistant Chemist Job

Job Summary

Conduct routine testing required to ensure that raw materials received and finished products produced are in compliance with acceptable specifications. This includes supporting production in-process testing, troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and notifying the Quality Lab Manager of any issues.

This role is a 12-hour shift position, with shift rotation every two days; will require some weekend work.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Laboratory Testing and Maintenance (75%)

Follows instructions to perform routine testing on finished goods and input results into LIMS (sample manager)

Preparing lab solutions and standards

Re-test aged finished goods and materials.

Run SQC samples and compare to historical values

Run periodic checks on calibration of instrumentation

Complete additional assigned testing in a timely manner

Monitor supply inventory by completing weekly inventory and expired chemical checks

General lab housekeeping ensuring equipment is clean and ready for use, and lab is well-stocked

Operational Excellence and HES Activities (10%)

Participate in plant Behavior Based Safety program

Understands the role of quality in relation to all the other departments; working with a sense of urgency to provide support in a timely manner

Complete monthly lab safety audit

Laboratory Data Entry (10%)

Data entry into SAP, when necessary

Input results for raw materials, when necessary

Upload Certificates of Analysis and other documentation to common drive

Laboratory Troubleshooting (5%)

Work with production operators, as needed, to troubleshoot lab problems

Initial basic instrumentation troubleshooting

Participate in quality investigations as needed

Minimum Qualifications and Education Required

High school diploma or General Equivalent required

Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or equivalent experience preferred

Laboratory experience preferred

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, SAP, LIMS (Sample Manager)

Certifications / Trainings:

Competencies -Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Must be able to work independently, on routine assignments, as well as in groups

Analytical thinking skills; gathers information, identifies relationships and formulates logical conclusions

Must have strong time management skills, able to prioritize

Clear communication; tailors communication based on the audience to present ideas clearly and concisely

Agile learner; quickly comprehends new problems and situations and is able to figure things out in a short amount of time taking a hands-on approach

Deliver results in a timely, completely, accurately manner; anticipates possible roadblocks and modifies plans to achieve the result

Flexible and adapting to change: demonstrates positive attitude and contributes to changes

Quality driven; attentive to detail and accuracy; monitors trends and identifies root causes for quality issues

Organization skills; accurately anticipates length and difficulty of tasks; plans work effectively to meet routine testing and high priority projects

Health & Environmental Safety Requirement:

Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements

Participates in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc. (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SafeStart, etc.)

Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Fast-paced manufacturing environment with chemical, physical, ergonomic, and electrical hazards; work includes a variety of physical and biological conditions including, but not limited to, moving mechanical parts, working with sharp tools, and exposure to chemical hazards

Must be able to stand for extended periods with occasional walking and sitting

Work is primarily performed in the laboratory; worker is exposed to some outside environmental conditions

Work requires use of protective clothing and equipment, which may include, but not be limited to, eye protection, head protection, respiratory protection, and foot protection

Noise level in the work environment is below the OSHA permissible exposure limits

Must be able to lift 35 pounds (handling waste drums, gas cylinders, laboratory supplies)