Scientist I

Job Description

Job Description

Description

**This positions are not eligible for US employment sponsorship**

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT and CENTA), is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden supplies markets. The Central Life Sciences (CLS) business unit is dedicated to delivering insect management solutions for challenging pests in livestock, grain storage and processing, horticulture, turf, specialty food crops, along with mosquito control for municipalities throughout the United States.

 

CLS is seeking a Scientists I to join our dynamic team of employees who work safely, show up every day, and are committed to their work. They will provide support of existing products and new registrations by obtaining results through analytical testing. Successful applicants will maintain and operate laboratory instruments and equipment and assist senior chemists in performing analyses and routine tasks. If you are ready to make a visible impact on new and existing innovation, then we want you on our team! We offer a comprehensive benefits package, education assistance program and access to on-demand pay, and because our employees are so important, we have onsite events throughout the year to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

 

This position is a salaried, on-site, laboratory position which requires employees to be in the lab 5 days/week in our Dallas, TX facility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform routine and non-routine analyses that are specified by supervisor or as outlined in established instructions or procedures. Work is subject to guidance and review by supervisor.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate complex laboratory instrumentation such as High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), and laboratory instruments used for physical chemical testing (e.g., density meter, viscometer, Karl Fischer, particle size analyzer).
• Familiar with molecular spectroscopy techniques such as FTIR.
• Log samples/consumables into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software. Prepare solutions (standards, stocks, and internal standards) and dilutions, as necessary. Contribute to general laboratory upkeep duties (e.g., washing glassware, restocking consumables, and disposing of sample waste).
• Accurately record experimental data and findings in laboratory notebooks or LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) following Good Documentation Practices.
• Process and interpret chromatographic data and prepare internal reports and reports for release to customers.
• Assist in developing and validating new test procedures for chemical analysis to meet internal requirements and requirements by regulatory agencies.
• Assist in preparing appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) protocols and regulatory requirements. Assure that all work done is in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) set by all appropriate government agencies and is properly documented. Maintains proficiency in US EPA and FDA guidelines. 
• Serve as an Analytical Chemistry representative on assigned Project Teams and follow the Commercialization Process for development of new products. Prepare written reports and presentations on the planning, progress and status of activities in analytical chemistry to the Project Teams.
• Keep abreast of current and emerging technical developments through available information resources and continued education at courses and seminars.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• These roles require a good competence in analytical chemistry.
• Aspects of organic chemistry, physical chemistry and mathematics such as algebra and statistics are also required to support experimental design and approaches to problem solving.
• Candidates must have good verbal and written communication skills to convey complex aspects of analytical results even to those with little or no chemical background.
• Prior experience and technical capability in using laboratory computer systems, office computer systems and applications is preferred.
• Candidates must be willing to accept guidance from senior members of the Analytical staff. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to prioritize work while adapting to changing business needs and priorities.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION  

• Bachelors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field and 0-4 years professional analytical laboratory experience (candidates with academic or industrial internships preferred).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position involves the occasional handling of large equipment and supplies necessary for the everyday operation of the analytical laboratory (for example: chemical waste containers and large compress gas cylinders). Also, very large sample sizes are sometimes encountered.
• Physical exertion commensurate with the handling of such materials and the ability to move as much as 25 pounds is required.
• Exposure to common potential allergens, including but not limited to, straw, hay, grass, soy, wheat, peanuts, corn, rice, and oats.
• Standard procedures must be carefully followed in working with potentially hazardous equipment and materials. There is exposure to equipment and materials at extremely high temperatures (ovens and GCs), and cryogenic temperatures (liquid nitrogen). Appreciation for the safe handling of flammable liquids, compressed gases, acids, bases, and toxic chemicals is required.
• The use of a hard hat, respirator mask, and other safety equipment is necessary at times.
• Work hours are divided between the office and the analytical laboratories. Safety apparel is required in the lab or production areas, i.e. safety glasses/goggles (always), lab coat, gloves, dust masks (as appropriate).
• The use of a hard hat, respirator mask, and other safety equipment may be necessary at times.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

 

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more.

 

 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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