Research Chemist (Synthetic)

Job Details

Level: Entry

Job Location: MOSES LAKE, WA

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $50000.00 - $76000.00 Salary

Travel Percentage: None

Research Chemist

We value: Safety, Integrity, Ownership, Collaboration, Service, Sustainability

Moses Lake Industries, Inc. (MLI) is a rapidly growing producer of ultra-pure chemical products, serving the semiconductor and flat-panel screen industries worldwide. We deliver world class products to the leaders of the industries we serve.

You will be working for a midsized company with great people and a history of steady growth and profitability. Sound like a match? If you are prepared to work in an exciting and rewarding environment, we look forward to considering your experience and qualifications.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, onsite, Moses Lake, WA

WHAT YOU WILL BE WORKING ON

• Assemble, disassemble, clean, load, and maintain chemical reactors.
• Perform hands-on laboratory experiments involving handling of solid, liquid and gaseous chemicals, some of which may be hazardous and require use of specialized knowledge or handling techniques.
• Prepare samples to minimize contamination in laboratory, clean booth, or clean room environments.
• Assemble, use, and maintain common laboratory equipment (e.g., glassware, Schlenk lines, inert atmosphere chambers, pressure vessels).
• Perform maintenance tasks on systems or equipment as assigned.
• Apply chemical hygiene practices to maintain clean, organized work areas.
• Follow all policies and procedures for safe chemical and waste handling.
• Read and apply information from chemical literature and SDS to identify and mitigate risks. Hazards may include but are not limited to: use of toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, flammable, pyrophoric, highly reactive materials in high pressure, negative pressure, extremely hot or cold, or other reaction profiles and equipment.
• Use administrative, engineering, and personal protective controls to ensure a safe work environment.
• Consistently prioritize safety for self, team, and environment.
• Exhibit and apply knowledge of chemical principles, synthetic techniques, and characterization methods.
• Calculate stoichiometry for chemical reactions or verify team calculations.
• Troubleshoot experimental or equipment issues using Response Flow Checklists (RFCs).
• Support development or documentation of new RFCs.
• Maintain detailed, legible laboratory notebooks to support reproducibility and intellectual property protection.
• Write weekly summary reports detailing activities, milestones, progress, and issues.
• Generate well-organized, grammatically correct summaries and technical reports.
• Protect company intellectual property and confidential information.
• Execute tasks according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Develop and document new SOPs where necessary.
• Update existing procedures to improve safety, clarity, and efficiency following document control protocols.
• Collect and consolidate data from notebooks, metrology reports, and literature.
• Analyze experimental outcomes using graphical representations, statistics, and modeling.
• Use data analysis tools (e.g., MS Excel, JMP, Origin, ChemDraw) to interpret results.
• Apply conceptual thinking to identify trends, problems, and insights from data.
• Conduct literature reviews to identify synthetic methods, reagents, or processing techniques.
• Develop plausible and safe synthetic strategies for target molecules.
• Contribute to the development and modification of products and services based on research and market needs.
• Communicate effectively via email and in written reports.
• Follow departmental communication guidelines (e.g., email review, response expectations).
• Proactively seek direction or support as needed.
• Work independently and collaboratively under the direction of supervisors or senior scientists.
• Participate fully in required training programs and refreshers.
• Identify and schedule additional training with supervisor as needed.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, safety, and work quality.
• Uphold all MLI policies and "MLI Code of Conduct."
• Strict compliance with Environmental and Safety regulations.
• Compliance and individual accountability with the MLI Quality System and ISO Registration is required. It is the employee's commitment to ensure that the Company's actual practices and procedures are exercised as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support and sustain a high performing team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Prepare clear and concise written and oral summaries of planned and completed work.
• Working knowledge of computers and MS Office software.
• Working knowledge of arithmetic and grammar. Sufficient math and chemistry skills to enable calculation of dilutions, morality, averages, standard deviations, balancing of chemical equations and other relevant mathematical manipulations to support job tasks independently.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in order to meet established deadlines.
• Work as a team and/or independently.
• Perform tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions in English.
• Demonstrate accountability by accepting responsibility for yourself and your actions that results in anticipation and prevention of problem areas, and problem solving inside and outside the department.
• Read, understand apply information in Material Safety Data Sheets to ensure safe handling and use of chemicals and laboratory apparatus.
• Understanding of chemical concepts and ability to apply concepts, executing defined and documented methods in laboratory seeing with minimal oversight.
• Familiarity with the application of common analytical methods (e.g., NMR, HPLC, GPC, TGA, DSC, titration, viscometry, etc.) in characterization of reagents, reactions products and byproducts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in an industrial or academic laboratory setting.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $50K-$76K

Located in Moses Lake, WA we offer the following benefits: compensation, medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits.

• Generous PTO: Your off time is important.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Majority of premiums paid by MLI. Includes virtual medical and mental health options.
• Additional Health Coverage: FSA and HSA available. Voluntary insurance options include life and AD&D, accident, hospitalization, and critical illness.
• Earn More: We offer a generous discretionary bonus program in addition to salary/wage.
• 401(k) Savings Plan: Jump start your retirement with MLI's employer matching contributions.
• Company-Paid Benefits: Long-Term Disability Insurance, EAP, Fitness Club Membership Program, & Education Assistance Program. Relocation Assistance available.
• Additional Benefits: We provide position-based clothing, travel expenses, training and additional materials needed on a case-by-case basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are generally performed indoors in an office/lab and high purity manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The employee may work in the presence of fumes or airborne particles, hot, toxic, or corrosive chemicals, water, liquids, and electrical equipment. When working in the presence of safety hazards, the employee is expected to follow company safety rules and use proper personal protective equipment such as: respirator, hardhat, protective clothing, safety glasses, safety footwear, and full leather shoes, etc.

Qualifications