Chemist

Position Overview

The Chemist will support development, scale-up, and production of specialty materials and chemistries used in advanced applications. This role combines hands-on laboratory work, analytical testing, and technical collaboration with operations, engineering, quality, and R&D to ensure robust, reproducible, and safe processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute laboratory experiments to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot chemistries and formulations for rare earth and specialty material products.
• Perform wet chemistry, analytical testing, and characterization (e.g., titrations, pH, particle size, spectroscopy, chromatography, or related techniques depending on lab capabilities).
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare clear technical reports, test summaries, and recommendations for process and product improvements.
• Support scale-up activities by translating lab findings into pilot and production conditions, including preparation of batch instructions and technical guidance for manufacturing.
• Participate in method development and validation for new or improved analytical and QC tests; maintain and update laboratory procedures and SOPs.
• Work closely with Quality and Operations to investigate nonconformances, identify root causes, and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, electronic records, and sample inventories in accordance with internal quality and documentation requirements.
• Ensure proper operation, calibration, and basic maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment; coordinate service when needed.
• Follow all safety procedures and regulatory requirements, including appropriate handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and waste.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in the lab and plant, including 5S, standard work, and process optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field required; advanced degree is a plus.
• 2+ years of experience in an industrial, analytical, or R&D laboratory environment preferred (internships/co-ops considered for entry-level roles).
• Strong foundation in general and inorganic chemistry; familiarity with solids, solutions, and surface/coordination chemistry is beneficial.
• Experience with common laboratory techniques, safe chemical handling, and good documentation practices.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze data using basic statistical concepts, and draw clear, practical conclusions.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with rare earths, specialty inorganic materials, pigments, phosphors, or related chemistries.
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical tools relevant to your lab (e.g., ICP, XRF, XRD, SEM, GC/LC, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISO, GMP, or other quality systems in a manufacturing or materials environment.

Work Environment

• Primarily lab-based role with regular interaction with production areas and cross-functional teams.
• Requires use of appropriate PPE and adherence to chemical hygiene and safety protocols.