Botanist

VITALITY WORKS INC•Albuquerque, NM

5d•$65,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Vitality Works, we are looking for a person who will thrive and enjoy: Using your subject matter expertise in Botany to problem solve through analytics and then document and categorize the information. Sharing your knowledge with those around you and in doing so, make execution of critical systems and rules more efficient and effective. The challenge of evaluating lots of data and using your power of observation to make valuable recommendations. Being polite and courteous, there is no need to be overly social or outwardly engaging… you are part of a productive team who focuses on the work at hand. Building on a historically significant gathering of current scientific information, to establish even more expertise in the field. A competitive environment (learning and researching) where clear goals and expectations are provided by leadership and your ability to execute within those rules/regulation will be highly accurate and detailed. If this sounds like you, we would love the opportunity to share more about our company and learn more about you. Pay $65K to $85k DOE Position Summary: Responsible for assessing product specifications and quality attributes including identity, purity and strength of botanical raw materials of received and manufactured herbal products in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Botany, Biology or Chemistry
Minimum three years experience with botanical ID/taxonomy in outdoor or laboratory setting
Able to sit for long periods of time
Position will require some walking, standing and sitting
Some lifting of at least 50 pounds on occasion may be required
Strong plant taxonomy foundation.
Strong microscopy/macroscopy experience with plant identification.
Sensory experience as related to plants.
Knowledge of common herbal adulterants
Ability to work quickly and accurately in a production environment.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Computer literate in MS Office.

Nice To Haves

Minimum three years in GMP industrial environment desired
Minimum three years manufacturing experience in Dietary Supplement Industry desired
Experience with HPTLC and creating SOP’s for HPTLC botanical ID. Other analytical testing expertise a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for herbal raw material identification in a high throughput production environment per 21 CFR 111
Accountable for testing, evaluating, and dispositioning raw herbs, dry and liquid raw herbal components, and other raw, intermediate and finished goods.
Updating specifications and other appropriate databases.
Develop and maintain detailed specification sheets for all raw materials, such as herbal raw materials, according to 21 CFR 111, best industry practices, and what the company requires (which may change over time).
Establish and validate test methods via internal testing and/or 3rd party approved analytical labs.
Develop a reference material library that includes common adulterants and contaminants.
Expand the herbarium collection of botanicals where appropriate with reference standards.
Continuous improvement to build and expand the use of microscopy as a tool for herbal material evaluation and approval.
Build and maintain a library of pertinent published reference material including monographs, books, studies, and compendia.
Assist bringing in new testing equipment related to botanical evaluation and developing corresponding SOP’s.
Ensuring analytical methods are updated and documented
Staying current with industry developments on botanicals and apply to this position
Assist with investigating non-conforming products and disposition.
Assist with investigations and pertinent customer complaints and submit findings to QC/QA manager.
Staying abreast of regulatory changes related to the industry.
Increase reference resources to assist in raw material identification and other parts of the position.
Assisting as needed in all other aspects of the QC department.

Benefits

Highly Competitive Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
Health Savings Account
Benefits: Basic Life/AD&D, STD/LTD, & Employee Assistance Program paid by Vitality Works, Voluntary Supplemental Life/AD&D, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
Work/Life Balance: Sick Leave, Vacation Time & Paid Holidays
401(k) Plan: 100% match on the first 3% contributed plus an additional 50% up to 5%
Group Voluntary Benefits
2 FREE Supplements per month
Amazing on-campus gym/basketball courts/walking paths
Referral Bonus Program

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