Laboratory Analytical Scientist

Job Title:

Laboratory Analytical Scientist

Job Description

The Laboratory Analytical Scientist will play a key role in building and operating a newly expanding analytical laboratory that supports advanced recycling through feedstock characterization, quality assurance, and customer-facing Certificates of Analysis. This position owns critical analytical instrumentation, ensures data quality and integrity, and helps develop laboratory capabilities as services grow for both internal and external clients. The role is highly hands-on and suited to a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with evolving processes, new equipment installations, and accreditation readiness efforts.

Responsibilities

+ Own the daily operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation to ensure reliable and consistent performance.

+ Perform sample preparation activities such as shredding, milling, digestion, and other preparative steps required for analytical testing.

+ Operate and maintain key analytical instruments, including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC/GC-MS, elemental analyzers (CHNS), CIC systems, and XRF and FTIR/NIR spectroscopy platforms.

+ Maintain instrument uptime by monitoring performance, validating results within acceptable ranges, and addressing issues proactively.

+ Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and manage vendor service engagements to support instrument reliability and longevity.

+ Generate accurate analytical data and transform results into clear, customer-facing reports and Certificates of Analysis that support commercial transactions.

+ Support laboratory accreditation efforts and contribute to the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures.

+ Assist in method development using ASTM- and ISO-based standards as well as internal methods tailored to advanced recycling and materials testing.

+ Collaborate closely with lab operations, leadership, and commercial teams to deliver client-driven analytical results and meet project requirements.

+ Apply strong data analysis skills to interpret results, identify trends or anomalies, and ensure the integrity and traceability of analytical data.

+ Utilize LIMS or other digital lab tracking systems to manage samples, methods, results, and documentation efficiently.

+ Contribute to lab buildout activities, including supporting equipment commissioning, layout optimization, and readiness for accreditation audits.

+ Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of testing, documentation, and reporting to support accreditation and regulatory compliance.

+ Consistently deliver high-quality, customer-ready analytical outputs that meet internal quality standards and external client expectations.

+ Actively participate in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, sharing insights with R&D, lab operations, and commercial teams to advance lab capabilities.

Essential Skills

+ At least 3 years of hands-on analytical laboratory experience in an industrial, commercial, or applied research setting.

+ Proficiency with at least two major instrument platforms such as ICP, GC-MS, FTIR, XRF, CHNS, or similar analytical technologies.

+ Strong analytical chemistry background with practical experience in laboratory operations, quality control, and validation activities.

+ Demonstrated ability to perform precise sample preparation, including shredding, milling, digestion, and related techniques.

+ Experience operating and maintaining instruments including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC/GC-MS, elemental analyzers (CHNS), CIC systems, XRF, and FTIR/NIR spectroscopy.

+ Solid data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex analytical results and prepare clear, accurate reports.

+ Experience working with LIMS or other digital laboratory tracking systems to manage samples, data, and workflows.

+ Understanding of analytical standards and methods, including ASTM and ISO standards, and their application in method development and validation.

+ Knowledge of quality control principles and practices in an analytical laboratory environment.

+ Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.

+ Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, build-out environment with evolving processes and newly installed equipment.

+ Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, particularly in support of accreditation readiness.

+ Capability to take full ownership of analytical instrumentation and data quality, ensuring high standards are consistently met.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in method development, including creating, optimizing, and validating analytical methods based on ASTM, ISO, or internal standards.

+ background working in regulated laboratory environments or with accreditation frameworks such as ISO standards.

+

Experience with plastics, feed stocks, recycling, oil and gas, or broader materials testing applications.

+ Exposure to equipment commissioning,…