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)