Lab Materials Analyst II

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Lab Materials Analyst II

Executes quantitative elemental analysis of ceramics and inorganic materials using ICP‑OES and ICP‑MS with complex inorganic digestion chemistry. Develops and improves digestion protocols and analytical methods to ensure high data accuracy, robustness, and traceability. Produces technical reports for internal stakeholders and leads continuous improvement using Management of Change principles.

Core Analytical Scope

• Performs quantitative elemental analysis using ICP‑OES and ICP‑MS, focusing on developing, optimizing, and executing inorganic digestion and analysis procedures for oxide and non‑oxide ceramic materials.
• Develops and refines analysis methods to ensure flexibility and accuracy in response to continuously evolving product lines.
• Expands laboratory capabilities and techniques.
• Demonstrates competence in TGA‑IR, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to support complementary material characterization.
• Interprets digestion behavior, matrix effects, chemical stability, and interference patterns specific to advanced ceramics.

Technical Leadership & Data Ownership

• Works under general supervision and provides technical leadership in the chemistry testing section.
• Owns digestion method fidelity and elemental data accuracy; performs peer review and spot checks of analyst and technician work.
• Applies statistical tools (Gage R&R, control charts, recovery studies, spike/replicate analysis) to validate digestion and ICP method performance.

Operations & Method Development

• Prepares samples, executes digestions, performs analyses, compiles results, and generates accurate, timely technical reports.
• Leads development and refinement of digestion chemistry for both routine and exploratory analyses—including high‑temperature fusions, mixed‑acid digestions, and closed‑vessel microwave digestion.
• Develops and tunes multi‑element ICP‑OES/MS methods, calibration strategies, and QA/QC protocols.
• Conducts literature reviews to evaluate novel digestion techniques, difficult‑to‑dissolve phases, or emerging industry standards.

Collaboration, Mentorship & Training

• Provides targeted training to technicians and Analyst I staff on safe inorganic digestion practices, sample prep strategy, and instrument operation.
• Supports onboarding by establishing clear expectations for digestion accuracy, contamination control, and proper reagent handling.
• Interacts with engineering, R&D, and production to align on analytical approach and clarify complex material behaviors.

Equipment Management & Troubleshooting

• Performs routine maintenance and first‑line troubleshooting on ICP systems, microwave digestors, hot blocks, balances, and fume hood setups.
• Identifies and documents equipment performance issues and escalates as appropriate.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Champions chemical safety, especially in handling strong acids (HF, HNO3, HCl, H2SO4), oxidizers, and high‑temperature digestion processes.
• Uses Management of Change methodology to improve digestion workflows, reduce rework, and increase analytical reliability.

Job Requirements Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, physics, raw sciences, or a related field is applicable with appropriate laboratory experience.
• Coursework in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and instrumental analysis is required.

Experience

• 8+ years of laboratory experience required.
• Direct experience with ICP‑OES and/or ICP‑MS.
• 4+ years of development and validation experience.
• Spectroscopy and/or spectrometry experience.
• 4+ years inorganic experience (preferred).
• Hands‑on experience developing and executing inorganic digestions for complex ceramic or mineral systems—including mixed‑acid digestions, microwave digestion, fusions, or peroxide‑assisted digestions.
• Experience with FTIR or Raman spectroscopy is highly desirable.
• Wet chemistry experience.
• Complex spectroscopy analysis and processing experience.

Functional / Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated…