Research & Development; R&D Scientist

Location:

Santa Cruz, California

Full-time

We are seeking a full-time Research and Development (R&D) Scientist to join the team. This position will be based at our Santa Cruz, CA facility. The R&D Scientist will support the scientific functions of the Laboratory, including basic and applied research projects, as well as process development, method selection, method validation, and technical support of quality assurance activities.

Seeking applicants who already reside in the Santa Cruz, CA region.

Full-time, Monday through Friday, and may require some weekend work.
Specific schedule details to be discussed and determined at the time of hire.

This will be an exempt employee position, with a starting salary of $75,000, depending on experience.

Applicants must currently reside in the Santa Cruz, CA (Central Coast) region.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A minimum of 4 years experience in method development and SOP writing.
• Advanced science degree;
  Master’s or above is preferred.

• Support accurate and consistent testing procedures through the validation of all current test methods, and by developing, validating, and implementing new test procedures.
• Support the evaluation, review, and selection of new instrumentation, consumables, materials, reagents, and equipment needed to conduct the Laboratory’s operations for new assays and methods developed in the R&D department.
• Provide a documented summary of new test methods including test procedures, test parameters, data provided, materials and instruments used, reporting formats, and data implications, if possible and as necessary, to be distributed throughout the management level of the organization.
• Act as instructor for introduction of new test methods to technical staff, including technical services department.
• Act as instructor and mentor to junior staff members, through various presentations, meetings, involvement in projects and one on one engagement.
• Maintain awareness and competency in the technical aspects of the Laboratory’s scope of testing operations.
• Ensure that the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 are accounted for in the development of scientific processes and procedures.
• Support in the assessment of and adjustment to calibration and maintenance program requirements.
• Design and project manage custom experiments and projects for clients.
• Act as primary or support, as necessary, in client interactions and in answering client questions for custom projects and experiments.
• Oversee any research and development work as directed by the Director of R&D.
• Sign and approve custom test reports as needed.
• Support technical services department in answering client inquiries as necessary.
• Provide support resources for the Quality Management System, in order to ensure confidence in the laboratory’s results.
• Communicate with the Quality Manager concerning quality issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in support of QMS generated corrective or preventive action plans as needed.

• Technical competence in analytical chemistry and wet chemistry.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience using some or all of the following instruments: HPLC, LC-MSMS, GC, HS-GCMS, GC-MSMS, ICP-MS, PCR, and general microbial analysis.
• Method Development experience on some or all the above instruments.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Display critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
• Lead and coordinate complex multistep, often lengthy projects.
• Develop analytical methods under supervision.
• Transfer analytical methods under supervision.
• Be flexible to changing demands and processes.

• Follows written and verbal instructions; works effectively in a collaborative environment, and effectively communicates with all coworkers and managers.
• Ability to display critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Read, write, and speak English, use LIMS, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Drive applications.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good…