Chemist 2

Analytical Chemist II

The Analytical Chemist II plays a key role in ensuring that raw materials, bulk products, and finished goods meet all customer and regulatory analytical requirements. This salaried position is part of the quality team and focuses on method validation, data integrity, and compliance within a cGMP laboratory environment. The role supports the growth and success of customers by delivering accurate, timely, and compliant analytical testing for cosmetic and household products.

Responsibilities

• Validate laboratory procedures, processes, test methods, chemical assays, and equipment used to detect and identify active ingredients to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory guidelines.
• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical test methods to ensure compliant methods are used for testing controlled articles, including raw materials, bulk, and filled product.
• Calibrate, monitor, and maintain analytical test equipment such as HPLC and GC systems to ensure reliable performance and accurate results.
• Accurately record all data and pertinent information in accordance with cGMP requirements, maintaining complete and traceable documentation.
• Create monthly Key Quality Indicators (KQI) promptly and accurately to support quality monitoring and continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct batch record reviews to determine compliance with cGMP practices and identify any deviations or gaps.
• Document out-of-specification (OOS) situations, determine root causes, and propose potential corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead OOS investigations, review findings, and approve analytical data package reports (ADPRs) for filled product and stability studies.
• Ensure analytical specifications are met for all tested materials and that results are documented, maintained, and communicated to meet customer expectations.
• Report test results and manage the accurate and timely release or transition of quarantined raw materials, bulk product, and finished products based on analytical findings.
• Troubleshoot out-of-specification results and analytical issues, providing technical guidance and solutions to restore compliance.
• Ensure Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are followed and that all activities comply with applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks in a complete, accurate, and up-to-date manner to support traceability and audit readiness.
• Participate in internal and external audits, providing documentation, explanations, and support for laboratory and quality activities.
• Institutionalize 5S practices (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) in all aspects of the department to promote organization, efficiency, and safety.
• Serve as a senior technical resource within the lab, providing mentorship, training, work review, troubleshooting support, and QC assistance to other chemists.
• Collaborate closely with Analytical Chemists I & II and QC Chemists in a team-based environment to meet production and quality goals.
• Adapt to changing priorities and workloads while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• 2+ years of industry analytical chemistry experience, including hands-on work with HPLC, GC, and USP methods.
• 2+ years of experience with analytical method development or optimization.
• Working knowledge of Empower software for chromatographic data acquisition and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in a cGMP laboratory environment, including adherence to cGMP documentation and data integrity standards.
• Strong analytical chemistry skills, including wet chemistry techniques and quantitative analysis.
• Proficiency in gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Experience with method development and method validation protocols in a QC or analytical setting.
• Effective problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot analytical and equipment-related issues.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities, with experience guiding and supporting junior team members.
• Dependable work habits and a commitment to maintaining quality and safety standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous method validation experience is a plus.
• Experience with QC laboratory operations and batch record review.
• Familiarity with GLP and regulatory guidelines relevant to cosmetic and household product testing.
• Experience documenting and investigating OOS results and implementing CAPA.
• Comfort working with fragrances and aromatic compounds in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to use stairways and move comfortably within a production laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated adaptability to changing priorities and workloads.
• Interest in career growth into senior Analytical Chemist and other leadership roles.
• Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional quality and production environment.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role based at a production laboratory facility in Eden Prairie. The position operates in an indoor laboratory setting within a manufacturing environment that produces cosmetic and household products for a wide range of customers, from large enterprises to emerging brands. Typical work hours are Monday–Friday on first shift, with start times generally between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. You will work closely with Analytical Chemists and QC Chemists in a collaborative team setting and serve as a senior technical resource within the lab, providing mentorship, training, and troubleshooting support. The environment is high-volume and fast-paced, requiring strong attention to detail, adherence to quality and safety standards, and comfort with changing priorities and workloads. Physical conditions include the ability to use stairways and work in proximity to fragrances and aromatic compounds, occasionally at elevated levels. The culture emphasizes growth, continuous improvement, and 5S practices, with clear opportunities for advancement into senior and leadership roles as the team and capacity expand.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eden Prairie, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $43.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Eden Prairie, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.