Analytical Chemist II

Thorne•Summerville, SC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Analytical Chemist II performs analytical laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and other samples to support Thorne’s Quality Control operations and ensure products meet established quality and testing requirements. Working within Thorne’s QC Laboratory, this role performs qualitative and quantitative testing using established standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and analytical methods. The Analytical Chemist II is expected to demonstrate increased technical proficiency and independence, including certification across multiple analytical technologies, subject-matter expertise in at least one instrument technology, participation in method development, and the ability to troubleshoot major instrumentation issues. This position also serves as a resource to other members of the laboratory and may act as Shift Lead as needed, helping coordinate testing priorities and support laboratory turnaround-time objectives. The Analytical Chemist II is responsible for producing accurate, reproducible, and well-documented results while maintaining compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), laboratory procedures, and applicable ISO 17025 requirements. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented analytical scientist who combines hands-on laboratory expertise with strong troubleshooting, organization, and problem-solving skills. This individual is comfortable managing multiple testing priorities, working independently within established procedures, supporting other laboratory team members, and identifying and escalating analytical or instrumentation issues. This position works first shift, Sunday through Wednesday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Analytical Chemist II must be available to work the assigned four-day, 10-hour schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or a science-related field required.
Degree must include a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level chemistry.
Relevant analytical laboratory experience and demonstrated aptitude for performing technical laboratory assignments preferred.
Hands-on experience with analytical laboratory instrumentation strongly preferred.
Experience with HPLC, GC, ICP spectroscopy, and/or NIR spectroscopy is beneficial.
Demonstrated ability to perform analytical testing accurately and consistently.
Experience troubleshooting laboratory analyses or instrumentation preferred.
Working knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and qualitative and quantitative laboratory techniques.
Demonstrated proficiency in analytical laboratory testing and sample preparation.
Certification in at least three of the following methods of analysis: ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS.
Subject-matter expertise in at least one of the designated instrument technologies.
Ability to troubleshoot routine analyses and major instrumentation issues.
Ability to participate effectively in analytical method development.
Working knowledge of cGMP, GDP, SOPs, test methods, and laboratory documentation requirements.
Understanding of laboratory data integrity, reproducibility, and documentation practices.
Familiarity with ISO 17025 laboratory requirements.
Proficiency with or ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn and effectively use laboratory computer systems and software.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations required for sample preparation, testing, dilutions, and analytical results.
Analytical Expertise: Applies strong analytical chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills to produce accurate and reliable results.
Technical Troubleshooting: Identifies and resolves analytical and instrumentation issues using sound technical judgment.
Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy throughout sample preparation, testing, calculations, documentation, and result reporting.
Data Integrity: Produces complete, traceable, consistent, and reproducible laboratory results.
Technical Leadership: Serves as a resource to laboratory colleagues and provides technical support within demonstrated areas of expertise.
Problem Solving: Evaluates laboratory issues, identifies potential causes, and develops or recommends appropriate solutions.
Time Management: Effectively manages multiple testing priorities and completes assigned objectives within established timelines.
Communication: Clearly communicates testing status, analytical findings, technical issues, and risks verbally and in writing.
Collaboration: Works effectively with laboratory colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
Judgment & Escalation: Recognizes unexpected results, instrumentation issues, quality concerns, and timeline risks and raises them promptly.
Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned testing and follows work through to completion.
Continuous Learning: Maintains and expands proficiency across analytical technologies, methods, systems, and regulatory requirements.
Quality & Compliance: Consistently follows approved procedures and maintains high standards for laboratory quality and compliance.
Ability to safely work with ingredients and products derived from potentially allergenic sources, including nuts, soy, dairy, fish, and shellfish.
Ability to work in laboratory environments with periodic exposure to acids, solvents, fumes, and airborne particles while using required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work while wearing laboratory PPE, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves.
Ability to remain stationary and move throughout the laboratory unassisted during the assigned shift.
Ability to safely and carefully operate laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or use a stepladder as required.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other employees.
Ability to see and read small print.
Ability to work in a low-to-moderate noise environment.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to periodically reach overhead and to the side while performing laboratory activities.

Nice To Haves

Relevant analytical laboratory experience and demonstrated aptitude for performing technical laboratory assignments.
Hands-on experience with analytical laboratory instrumentation.
Experience with HPLC, GC, ICP spectroscopy, and/or NIR spectroscopy is beneficial.
Experience troubleshooting laboratory analyses or instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and advanced analytical testing of incoming raw materials, work-in-process materials, finished products, and other samples as required.
Receive samples into the laboratory and appropriately coordinate or route samples for required testing.
Perform wet chemistry and bench testing, including titrations and other established analytical procedures.
Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses in accordance with approved test methods, SOPs, work instructions, and laboratory procedures.
Prepare solutions, samples, standards, reagents, and other materials required for laboratory testing.
Operate applicable analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS, based on training and certification.
Demonstrate the ability to recognize aberrant or unexpected analytical results and appropriately investigate or escalate concerns.
Troubleshoot routine analytical problems and major instrumentation issues within the scope of training and expertise.
Produce accurate, consistent, and reproducible analytical results.
Maintain appropriate laboratory supplies and inventory.
Perform laboratory housekeeping and cleaning activities to maintain an organized and inspection-ready laboratory environment.
Perform all responsibilities associated with the Analytical Chemist I level.
Serve as a subject-matter expert in laboratory receiving.
Maintain certification in at least three of the following analytical technologies: ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS.
Serve as a subject-matter expert in at least one designated analytical instrument technology.
Participate in analytical method development activities.
Troubleshoot major instrumentation issues and provide technical support within demonstrated areas of expertise.
Provide technical support and guidance to laboratory colleagues and supervisors as appropriate.
Act as Shift Lead as needed.
Perform laboratory activities in accordance with applicable cGMP, GDP, SOPs, work instructions, test methods, and Quality Control requirements.
Complete and maintain accurate, timely, and traceable documentation of laboratory procedures, testing activities, observations, calculations, and results.
Maintain strong attention to detail and data integrity throughout sample preparation, testing, documentation, and result reporting.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable laboratory SOPs and cGMP requirements as procedures and requirements evolve.
Maintain impartiality and confidentiality in all laboratory activities and promptly communicate identified risks.
Support the integrity of the laboratory management system in accordance with applicable ISO 17025 requirements.
Support laboratory inspection and audit readiness through compliant work practices, accurate documentation, and organized laboratory operations.
Raise testing, quality, instrumentation, or compliance concerns promptly.
Review and track pending analytical testing to support established laboratory turnaround-time goals.
Coordinate analysts and testing activities to minimize the risk of late results.
Assign testing activities based on sample priority and laboratory needs.
Coordinate with other Shift Leads to balance workload and testing priorities.
Keep laboratory management informed of sample and testing progress.
Proactively communicate when tests or samples are at risk of missing established timelines.
Support OOS and NCM investigations as needed.
Manage assigned testing priorities efficiently to support laboratory turnaround-time objectives.
Collaborate effectively with Analytical Chemists, laboratory leadership, and other partners to ensure testing requirements are completed accurately and on schedule.
Communicate testing status, delays, risks, and analytical concerns promptly.
Provide technical support to coworkers and supervisors based on demonstrated knowledge and expertise.
Complete assigned objectives within established timeframes.
Maintain clear and concise documentation and presentation of laboratory work.
Participate in required training and maintain applicable analytical qualifications and certifications.
Work overtime as required to support laboratory and business needs.