Chemist

Job Overview

This Chemist position supports a quality control laboratory by preparing, analyzing, and interpreting a wide range of samples, primarily in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and vitamin sectors. The role focuses on routine and specialized chemical analyses using modern instrumentation, ensuring accurate, timely results that meet established protocols and industry standards. This is a backfill position, offering the opportunity to join an experienced team in a fast‑paced contract testing environment.

• Prepare, handle, and test a variety of samples with a primary focus on food, feed, pharmaceutical, and vitamin products.
• Perform routine and specialized chemical analyses using techniques such as HPLC, GC, LC‑MS, and occasional ELISA.
• Carry out wet chemistry procedures and other analytical methods as required by project and client needs.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments, including chromatographs, spectrometers, and other analytical equipment.
• Oversee the full analytical workflow, from sample preparation and purification to instrument operation and post‑run data review.
• Interpret analytical data and prepare clear, concise reports for internal use and for delivery to clients.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of experiments, results, and observations in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Follow strict safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to troubleshoot analytical challenges and improve laboratory methods and processes.
• Support ongoing quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure the reliability and integrity of results.
• Participate in training and continuous professional development to stay current with analytical chemistry practices and laboratory techniques.
• Contribute to meeting quick turnaround times for sample analysis and reporting in a contract testing setting.

• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting HPLC, GC, and LC‑MS instrumentation.
• Experience performing wet chemistry techniques in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to prepare, purify, and analyze complex sample matrices, including food, feed, pharmaceutical, and vitamin products.
• Strong data interpretation skills with the ability to review, validate, and summarize analytical results.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in both written and electronic formats.
• Solid understanding of laboratory safety practices and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to work independently when running instruments and to collaborate effectively during sample preparation and problem‑solving.
• BS or BA in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field, or an associate degree in a related scientific discipline.

• Familiarity with ELISA techniques and their application in analytical testing.
• Background in chemistry, biology, or related life sciences.
• Experience working in a quality control or contract testing laboratory environment.
• Comfort working in a rural location and commuting to or residing near Washington, MO.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with colleagues and preparing clear reports.
• Interest in ongoing professional development and staying current with analytical chemistry practices.

The role is based in a contract testing laboratory located in Washington, MO, approximately an hour from a major city, in a more rural area. The laboratory team includes about eight chemists with a mix of personalities, including both introverted and extroverted individuals. The work is predominantly laboratory‑based, involving regular use of analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, LC‑MS, and other equipment typical of a modern QC lab.

The environment is fast‑paced and can be high‑pressure due to client deadlines, requiring strong attention to detail and consistent adherence to safety and quality procedures. The position emphasizes both independent work, particularly…