Analytical Chemist

Exponent Inc. • Menlo Park, CA

1d • $140,000 - $162,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking an Analytical Chemist for its Polymers & Chemistry Practice in Menlo Park, California. The role supports consulting projects involving product development, failure analysis, additive and stabilizer formulations, quality control, and compositional analysis across consumer, industrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. The position requires some travel and collaboration with scientists and engineers in other Exponent offices. Over time, a successful candidate is expected to develop business by obtaining new projects and clients, with the opportunity to train and supervise additional analytical staff.

The Analytical Chemist will attend inspections and conduct analytical testing and scientific analyses to address chemistry-related issues involving the use, storage, and stability of materials. The work includes root cause analysis of failures arising during product development, manufacturing, and use; communicating technical conclusions to audiences in engineering, business, law, and industry; and explaining testing rationale in matters involving product development, biocompatibility, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes. The role also oversees chromatography instrumentation, related projects and support personnel, laboratory quality systems, and laboratory safety programs.

Exponent describes its office environment as in-person, supportive, collaborative, dynamic, and multidisciplinary. Consultants generally work in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities. Consultants have autonomy to balance work and personal schedules while meeting client needs. The position is tagged onsite.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience with analytical characterization techniques applied to material science.
• Experience with sampling techniques and statistical data analysis for LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GPC, electrospray ionization, FTIR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and other techniques.
• Familiarity with FDA, ICH, USP, and EP laboratory quality regulations and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Superior problem-solving abilities.
• Strong educational and publication credentials.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing is required.

Nice To Haves

• Industrial experience in a GMP/GLP or ISO laboratory.
• Method development and validation experience.

Responsibilities

• Attend inspections and perform analytical testing and other scientific analyses to address chemistry-related issues involving the use, storage, and stability of materials.
• Perform root cause analysis on failures arising during product development, manufacturing, or use across a range of industries.
• Gather information from and communicate technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry.
• Communicate testing rationale in the context of product development, biocompatibility, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes.
• Oversee chromatography instrumentation, related projects, and support personnel.
• Oversee the ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 Quality System as it applies to laboratory instrumentation.
• Participate in or lead laboratory safety programs.
• Develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm.
• Train and supervise additional analytical staff as the opportunity arises.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and compensation and recognition programs.
• At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• Work/life balance and autonomy to balance work and personal schedules.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree