Sr. Scientist (Analytical Chemist)

  • Clorox
  • Pleasanton, California
  • Full Time

Clorox is the place thats committed to growth for our people and our brands. Guided by our purpose and values, and with people at the center of everything we do, we believe every one of us can make a positive impact on consumers, communities, and teammates. Join our team. #CloroxIsThePlace

Your role at Clorox:

This position is for an experienced analytical chemist with knowledge and experience in analytical problem solving and chemical analysis of a variety of raw materials, intermediates and finished products related to consumer goods including cleaning, professional cleaning/sanitization, water filtration, charcoal, cat litter, food, personal care products, and specialized consumer packaging.

Research & Development: The Research & Development organization takes new generations of consumer products from concept to reality. With such diverse roles as engineers, scientists, mechanical designers and packaging experts, R&D is a community of technical leaders and managers actively involved in every step in the lifecycle of our products--from initial concept to raw materials to final goods on store shelves. R&D is committed to leveraging the latest technology to bring consumers the high-quality, innovative products they expect and deserve.

In this role, you will:

The Clorox Company has an opportunity in the Advanced Measurement Sciences (AMS) Analytical Group at our Research and Development Center i n Pleasanton, California for a Chemistry E xpert ( Senior Scientist ) in Analytical Chemistry to provide analytical chemical leadership to AMS and the R&D community . As a Senior Scientist in th is group, you will be part of a team growing numerous brands across the Clorox portfolio. Through collaboration with Clorox Scientists and our business counterparts , you will help drive real business value through both base business and new product innovations. Daily responsibilities include product and material characterization , method development, data analysis , an d providing chemical expertise to develop new products, establish claims , and ensure excellence during manufacturing . You will have experience in reporting for EPA or FDA regulated OTC products. You will work closely with Scientists and our business partners to vet systems, troubleshoot issues , and recommend next steps based on experimentation and knowledge . You will also have the opportunity to take on non-project specific initiatives within the department to grow the analytical knowledge base to develop new capabilities and functionality of Clorox as a whole. We will work with you to develop your career objectives .

We encourage individuals w ith expert knowledge and firsthand experience in the following areas to apply:

  • An alytical separation tools and techniques, including sample preparation metho dologies, chromatography systems (LC, GC, IC) , related matrices , detectors (UV/VIS, ELSD , FID , MS) , and software, as well as spectroscopy tools (UV/VIS, FTIR, Fluorescence, ICP, EDX, XRF, Raman, EPR , NMR ) for robust identification, purity assessment, and quantitation of analytes. The ability to develop, run , and o ptimiz e analytical methodologies for effective compound solubility, stability , recovery, sensitivity, and resolution, as well as accuracy, precision, and speed of analysis is required .

  • Characterization of a variety of raw materials, process intermediates, finished products in the following consumer goods in dustries : H ousehold and cleaning , personal care and cosmetics, foods , charcoal, litter, and/ or water purification products.

  • E xperience in the identi fication/quantitation of natural compounds, redox chemicals , volatile compounds and chemicals of concern ( including PFAS ) is highly desired.

  • Knowle dge of packaging and polymer science characterization methodo logies is highly desired.

  • Experimental design and analysis: Knowledge and application of statistics, and related methodologies (DOE) will be critical, as well as the a bility to interpret, summarize and report analytical results, perform trend analysis, and implement corrective action regarding a ssay / product optimization , and/ or troubleshooting as needed.

  • V alidation and transfer of analytical methodologies to R&D, Contract Research Organizations ( CROs ) and QA/QC labs. Oversight of analytical activities at CROs. Experience working in a regulated lab environment such as GLP, GMP, and with EPA/ FDA submissions .

  • Strategic thinking and ability to influence selectively through audience - appropriate presentations of project/capability updates to senior R&D and BU management and report ing out to teams on future directions. Translati on of complex technical concepts into practical/consumer terms and experience in crafting and analyzing claims for regulatory, advertising , and intellectual property (IP) .

  • Working collaboratively , and p roviding analytical training and guidance to others, through review of their experimental plans , results , and discussion.

  • Identi fying and championing n ew analytical capabilities to complement industry s tandard methodologies and remain current with technological trends to address current and future Business Unit needs.

  • Establish ing collaborations , and correlations between analytical data from various technologies and products to expand knowledge of target pro duct properties and current analytical toolkit.

  • B eing recognized as an analytical expert through contributions to IP and participation at professional meetings.

  • Being able to multi-task , take on new challenges, work according to tight timelines, obtain information under ambiguity , and drive to effective completion of goals .

  • A dher ing to lab and chemical safety requirements, IP policies, and proven strong work ethic and soft skills.

  • Demonstrating a strong initiative and aptitude to master new tools and skills .

Key Responsibilities (in descending order of importance):

  • Be a prim ary technical contact person in the area of Chromatography/Separations and advisor on all aspects of analytical chemistry for other scientists and management at Clorox. T he knowledge of analytical methodologies , as well as functional roles , pot ential incompatibilities , and stabilities of actives used in products at Clorox will be required .

  • Lead and personally participate in the ex ecution of accurate and robust analyses of actives and inerts for all product types and prototypes across all BU s at Clorox.

  • Effectively partner with the BUs and communicate technical proposals, data , and progress reports to project team members and management .

  • Manage chemicals and operate / maintain instruments and related software with peak performance and safety in mind . Optimize analytical methodologies, u pgrad e equipment , and recommend purchase s of new analytical tools, as necessary.

  • Conduct laboratory investigations for anomalous results and find solutions; direct and oversee analyses performed at CROs.

  • Train technical staff and develop training programs.

  • Design and conduct experiments; p rocess analytical data using instrument, DOE, and other statistical software as applicable .

  • Accurately and promptly log data and document lab activities .

  • Participate in general lab management such as in supporting a safe, clean and orderly work environment, and ordering supplies .

  • Get trained-in and follow assays, SOPs, and IP, regulatory , and safety procedures in a manner that is comp liant and thorough .

  • Demonstrate drive, initiative, creativity, and provide quality results.

    What we look for:

    • 5+ years experience working in an analytical chemistry lab in a technical leadership position for a consumer goods, food, chemicals, crop protection, pharmaceutical company, or contract research organization.

    • Ph . D . in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific field. B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree will also be considered , depending on experience level.

    • Proven ability to develop and apply a range of analytical methods (LC, GC, IC, MS, UV/VIS, FTIR, NMR, etc.) for identification, quantitation, and characterization across complex samples.

    • Experience analyzing materials in consumer goods (e.g., personal care, food, water) with knowledge of GLP/GMP, EPA/FDA compliance, CRO oversight, and method transfer.

    • Skilled in DOE, statistical analysis, and reporting. Strong communicator able to collaborate across teams, influence stakeholders, and support innovation and IP development.

    #LI-ONSITE

    Workplace type:

    Onsite

    We seek out and celebrate diverse backgrounds and experiences. Were looking for fresh perspectives, a desire to bring your best, and a non-stop drive to keep growing and learning.

    At Clorox, we have a Culture of Inclusion. We believe our values-based culture connects to our purpose and helps our people be the best versions of themselves, professionally and personally. This means building a workplace where every person can feel respected, valued, and fully able to participate in our Clorox community. Learn more about our I&D program & initiatives here .

    [U.S.]Additional Information:

    At Clorox, we champion people to be well and thrive, starting with our own people. To help make this possible, we offer comprehensive, competitive benefits that prioritize all aspects of wellbeing and provide flexibility for our teammates unique needs. This includes robust health plans, a market-leading 401(k) program with a company match, flexible time off benefits (including half-day summer Fridays depending on location), inclusive fertility/adoption benefits, and more.

    We are committed to fair and equitable pay and are transparent with current and future teammates about our full salary ranges. We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities, while also allowing for differentiation based on performance. Based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at Clorox in the first half of the applicable range. Your starting pay will depend on job-related factors, including relevant skills, knowledge, experience and location. The applicable salary range for every role in the U.S. is based on your work location and is aligned to one of three zones according to the cost of labor in your area.

    Zone A: $106,700 - $204,900 Zone B: $97,800 - $187,900 Zone C: $88,900 - $170,800

    All ranges are subject to change in the future. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

    This job is also eligible for participation in Cloroxs incentive plans, subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and policies.

    Please apply directly to our job postings and do not submit your resume to any person via text message. Clorox does not conduct text-based interviews and encourages you to be cautious of anyone posing as a Clorox recruiter via unsolicited texts during these uncertain times.

    To all recruitment agencies: Clorox (and its brand families) does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Clorox employees, including any members of our leadership team. Clorox is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

    Job ID: 487434475
    Originally Posted on: 7/30/2025

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