Analytical Chemist I/II
About The Position
Polysciences, Inc. is seeking an Analytical Chemist I or II to join its Research & Development team in Warrington, Pennsylvania. The role supports new product development, analytical method development and validation, and process improvement in a collaborative, hands-on laboratory environment. The position level will be determined based on the candidate’s education, relevant industry experience, technical expertise, and ability to perform analytical work independently. The chemist develops, optimizes, verifies, and validates analytical methods; tests raw materials, in-process samples, intermediates, and finished products; and accurately analyzes, documents, and communicates results. The role collaborates with synthetic chemists, Quality Control, and other teams, supports method transfers to Quality Control, operates and troubleshoots laboratory instruments, and maintains documentation in accordance with applicable ISO, GMP, and regulatory requirements. It also supports investigations, audit readiness, and a safe, clean, organized laboratory. Analytical Chemist I focuses on building technical expertise, contributing to method development and routine testing, processing results, and assisting with troubleshooting and instrument maintenance. Analytical Chemist II takes greater ownership of projects, independently develops, validates, and transfers methods, evaluates complex data, reviews peer-generated results, establishes scientifically justified acceptance criteria, manages priorities and timelines, and contributes technical expertise to investigations and process improvements. The role requires a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field. A master's degree or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a related field is preferred. The posting describes typical experience as 1–3 years for Chemist I and 3+ years for Chemist II, while its qualifications section also specifies a bachelor's degree with 3 years of industry experience, including at least 1 year troubleshooting analytical methods; alternatively, a master's degree with 1 year of industry experience or a Ph.D. with no industrial experience. At least 1 year of experience verifying and troubleshooting methods in an ISO 9001/ISO 13485 or FDA GMP-regulated environment is required. Candidates should have hands-on experience with analytical instruments and techniques, strong analytical reasoning, problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and collaborate across teams. The posting identifies HPLC, GC, GPC, UV-Vis, FTIR, Karl Fischer, LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR among the instruments and techniques used or required. Work is Monday through Friday on the first shift, with negligible travel. The laboratory environment includes chemicals, unprotected heights, and fumes or gases; eye protection, nitrile gloves, and a lab coat are used. Physical activity includes intermittent standing, walking, and sitting, and occasional handling of light items.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field.
- At least 1 year of experience verifying and troubleshooting analytical methods in an ISO 9001/ISO 13485 or FDA GMP-regulated environment.
- The qualifications section specifies a bachelor's degree with 3 years of industry experience, including at least 1 year troubleshooting analytical methods; alternatively, a master's degree with 1 year of industry experience or a Ph.D. with no industrial experience.
- Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation and supporting techniques; the posting lists analytical balances, pH meters, UV-Vis, FTIR, Karl Fischer, HPLC, GC, GPC, LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR.
- Strong knowledge of analytical equipment, analytical methods, and data analysis.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge and experience with ChemStation/OpenLab, Empower, VNMRJ, MNova, Agilent Microlab, Omnic, or LIMS.
- Ability to solve problems using chemistry knowledge, literature searching, and discussions with team members.
- Strong communication skills with the analytical team and other internal teams.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously according to business needs.
- Chemist I: generally 1–3 years of relevant industry experience with a bachelor's degree; demonstrated analytical testing and instrumentation experience; experience with method verification or validation; and foundational troubleshooting and data interpretation experience.
- Chemist II: generally 3+ years of relevant industry experience with a bachelor's degree, or an appropriate combination of advanced education and experience; demonstrated independent method development, optimization, and validation; proficiency across multiple analytical instruments and techniques; and experience reviewing analytical data, troubleshooting complex issues, and supporting method transfers.
- Chemist I: demonstrated proficiency with at least one primary analytical instrument, such as LC-DAD, GC-FID, or GPC/SEC with RI detection, plus one or more supporting techniques.
- Chemist II: demonstrated proficiency with at least three primary analytical instruments, including experience with complex technologies such as LC-MS, GC-MS, NMR, or ICP-MS, and at least five supporting techniques; ability to troubleshoot complex analytical challenges independently.
- Hands-on experience with supporting techniques such as titration, pH, viscosity, or thermal analysis.
- Understanding of analytical method development, validation, verification, and data interpretation.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or FDA GMP-regulated laboratory environments.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a related field.
- Knowledge of compendial methods, including USP, EP, ISO, ASTM, and/or ANSI, and application of ICH guidelines.
Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, verify, and validate analytical methods for new product introduction, R&D, and process improvement.
- Test raw materials, in-process samples, intermediates, and finished products using established methods and specifications.
- Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate analytical results accurately and efficiently.
- Collaborate with R&D Synthetic Chemists, Quality Control Analysts, and cross-functional teams to troubleshoot analytical challenges and support product and process development.
- Support analytical method transfers to the Quality Control department.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and other laboratory equipment.
- Maintain accurate laboratory documentation in accordance with applicable ISO, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
- Investigate analytical issues using scientific judgment and problem-solving techniques, and improve laboratory processes.
- Support laboratory audit readiness and maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.
- For Chemist I: contribute to method development, optimization, verification, validation, and routine laboratory testing; process results; assist with troubleshooting and instrument maintenance; and develop proficiency with laboratory techniques.
- For Chemist II: independently develop, optimize, validate, and transfer methods; evaluate complex data and review peer-generated results; troubleshoot with minimal supervision; establish scientifically justified method acceptance criteria; manage priorities and timelines; and contribute technical expertise to investigations and method improvements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
