Analytical Chemist

Agilent Technologies•Folsom, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Agilent Technologies is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, providing laboratories worldwide with instruments, services, consumables, applications, and expertise. Their solutions advance the quality of life by supporting innovation in pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental testing, and materials science. Within Agilent’s Global Operations organization, the Materials Science and Technology (MSAT) teams are crucial for robust manufacturing, accelerating innovation, and ensuring product quality and reliability. The company is seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist/Scientist to join the MSAT organization. This role involves providing expert analytical chemistry support across chromatography consumables and performance chemistries, partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and Global Operations to support on-market products and New Product Introductions (NPIs), and driving improvements in quality, delivery, and cost. This is a site-based role in Folsom, CA, where the individual will provide hands-on GC and LC analytical expertise to support day-to-day manufacturing priorities, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
8+ years of hands‑on experience with liquid chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), including method development, troubleshooting, validation, and supporting sample preparation techniques.
Broad working knowledge of analytical techniques and detectors (e.g., MS, UV, FID, TCD) with the ability to select fit‑for‑purpose analytical approaches.
Proven ability to lead complex investigations and translate analytical data into clear, actionable technical recommendations.
Strong technical writing skills, with experience authoring protocols, validation documentation, and investigation reports.
Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, quality systems, and data integrity.

Nice To Haves

Experience with LCMS and/or GCMS for trace analysis, impurity profiling, and/or materials characterization.
Additional analytical technique expertise (e.g., NMR, SEM, Karl Fischer, spectroscopy, microscopy) is a plus.
Knowledge of chromatography consumables (columns, stationary phases, sample preparation) and performance chemistry evaluations.
Experience working in GMP or regulated environments, including change control, deviations, CAPA, and inspection‑ready documentation.
Experience with method validation, method transfer, and continued process/method verification; familiarity with DOE and statistical tools.
Track record of technical leadership, influencing cross‑functional and/or cross‑site stakeholders without direct authority.

Responsibilities

Own the full lifecycle of critical LC/GC analytical methods, including development, optimization, qualification/validation, transfer, and change control, to support routine release/testing and MSAT problem solving.
Execute and oversee complex laboratory work, primarily GC and LC (HPLC/UHPLC), with complementary techniques (e.g., LCMS, GCMS) to enable timely, customer‑focused decision making in a manufacturing environment.
Act as the site chromatography subject matter expert, establishing standards and best practices for separation science, method robustness, system suitability, and troubleshooting. Knowledge of Agilent markets and critical GC/LC applications is a plus.
Design and execute statistically sound experiments (including DOE where appropriate), interpret complex datasets, and communicate clear, risk‑based recommendations to manufacturing and quality stakeholders.
Lead product and process performance evaluations, robustness studies, and root cause analysis to support deviations, CAPA, complaints, and lifecycle improvements.
Partner cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, QC, QA, R&D, and Global Operations to align analytical strategy with product requirements, control strategies, and operational priorities.
Lead and support complex investigations related to manufacturing events and customer complaints, applying structured problem‑solving methodologies to determine root cause and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
Provide on‑floor and near real‑time troubleshooting as needed, prioritizing work to meet manufacturing schedules and ensuring timely, right‑first‑time resolution of analytical questions.
Drive continuous improvement of chromatography capability, including instrument performance, preventative maintenance strategies, method robustness, and technical engagement with vendors as required.
Author, review, and approve high‑quality technical documentation (e.g., protocols, validation and transfer reports, deviations/investigations, change controls), ensuring traceability, compliance, and data integrity.
Provide technical leadership through mentoring and coaching, influencing cross‑functional teams and driving adoption of best practices in chromatography and laboratory execution.
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, with a strong focus on good documentation practices and data integrity.