Associate Chemist

Associate Chemist

We are seeking a detail-oriented Associate Chemist to join our Quality Control team supporting animal health manufacturing operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist who wants to build hands-on analytical laboratory experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.

This positions comes with benefits, paid time off, holiday pay and 401 match.

The Associate Chemist performs routine chemical and physical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished animal health products, stability samples, and related components. Working under established procedures and appropriate supervision, you will generate accurate, traceable laboratory data used to support product quality, manufacturing operations, investigations, and timely product disposition decisions.

Success in this role requires a strong commitment to quality, safety, data integrity, and cGMP compliance, along with careful attention to detail and a willingness to continually develop laboratory and analytical skills.

What You'll Do

• Perform routine analytical and physical testing using approved test methods, specifications, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare samples, standards, reagents, buffers, mobile phases, and other laboratory solutions.
• Operate and maintain common analytical laboratory equipment following documented training and qualification. Equipment may include HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, titrators, distillation apparatus, viscometers, and moisture analyzers.
• Document observations, calculations, instrument output, and test results accurately and contemporaneously in accordance with ALCOA+ data-integrity principles.
• Review analytical results against approved specifications and promptly escalate atypical, out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), or potentially invalid results.
• Assist with laboratory investigations under the direction of senior laboratory personnel.
• Support method verification, method transfer, validation, stability studies, and continuous-improvement activities.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks, worksheets, logbooks, sample records, standards, reagents, and inventories in an inspection-ready condition.
• Follow established procedures for sample chain of custody, storage, retention, handling, and disposal.
• Support laboratory housekeeping, safety inspections, chemical-waste management, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with drafting and revising SOPs, test methods, forms, specifications, protocols, and technical reports.
• Collaborate effectively with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Product Development, Supply Chain, and other functions while maintaining objective and independent laboratory reporting.
• Complete required training on schedule and perform only activities for which current qualification has been documented.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related scientific discipline. An equivalent combination of relevant education and laboratory experience may be considered.
• 0–2 years of analytical laboratory experience. Experience in pharmaceutical, animal health, food, or another regulated manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry, laboratory calculations, solution preparation, and safe chemical handling.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow technical procedures, specifications, compendial methods, and written instructions.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn laboratory information management systems (LIMS), chromatography data systems, and other validated applications.
• Strong attention to detail with clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize work effectively and manage multiple laboratory priorities.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Hands-on experience with HPLC, UV-Vis, titration, distillation, or related analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with cGMP, Good Laboratory Practices, USP or other compendial testing, and regulated documentation practices.
• Experience testing liquids, powders, tablets, capsules, topical products, feed-related products, or other animal health dosage forms.
• Coursework, knowledge, or experience in microbiology that could support microbiological laboratory programs.

What Success Looks Like

• The successful Associate Chemist demonstrates:
• Quality & Integrity: Produces complete, accurate, traceable, and defensible laboratory work and promptly raises concerns.
• Technical Learning: Applies training effectively, asks appropriate questions, and steadily develops instrument and method proficiency.
• Planning & Organization: Manages samples, documentation, timelines, and laboratory resources effectively.
• Problem Solving: Recognizes unexpected conditions, preserves relevant evidence, and supports structured investigations.
• Teamwork & Communication: Communicates professionally and collaborates effectively across departments.
• Quality & Regulatory Responsibilities

The Associate Chemist is expected to comply with applicable company policies, approved quality systems, cGMP requirements, and relevant FDA, USDA, EPA, occupational safety, customer, and product-specific requirements, as applicable to the products manufactured and the site's registrations.

Employees are expected to promptly report deviations, safety concerns, data-integrity concerns, and potential product-quality issues through established channels.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires the ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to:
• Regularly stand, walk, sit, perform precision work with the hands, and communicate through in-person and electronic systems.
• Frequently reach, bend, and perform repetitive laboratory activities. Visually distinguish labels, instrument displays, color changes, and sample characteristics.
• Occasionally lift and carry laboratory materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Wear required PPE, which may include a laboratory coat, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Work is primarily performed in a Quality Control laboratory within a regulated manufacturing facility. The environment may involve exposure to chemicals, odors, powders, biological materials, moving equipment, and controlled environmental conditions.
• The position may also require work in production, warehouse, stability, or controlled-temperature areas and compliance with applicable gowning and hygiene requirements.
• The normal work schedule is established by the department. Occasional overtime, weekend, holiday, or alternate-shift coverage may be required to support manufacturing and laboratory testing needs.

Equal Opportunity Statement: This posting summarizes the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change based on business, regulatory, or operational requirements. The company provides equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.