Scientist, Smoke

PerkinElmer • Customer Site - VA, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services. The Scientist, Smoke performs cigarette smoke generation, sample collection, and analytical support activities within a regulated laboratory environment. As part of an End-to-End (E2E) Laboratory Modernization Program, this role supports product characterization, regulatory studies, and scientific investigations involving combustible tobacco products. The Scientist is responsible for operating and maintaining smoking systems and associated collection equipment used to support analyses of total particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, carbonyl compounds, ammonia, and other smoke constituents. The role collaborates closely with analytical scientists and quality personnel to ensure reliable and compliant execution of laboratory testing programs. The level of responsibility, autonomy, and technical complexity will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Knowledge of smoking machine operation and calibration principles.
• Understanding of smoke generation, sample collection, and aerosol capture methodologies.
• Familiarity with techniques supporting the determination of total particulate matter, carbon monoxide, VOCs, carbonyl compounds, and ammonia.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent documentation and data review skills.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline. OR Associate degree or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Relevant smoke collection or analytical laboratory experience commensurate with level (entry-level candidates through experienced scientists will be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and capable of performing in a production-paced analytical laboratory.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating smoking machines and aerosol collection systems.
• Familiarity with tobacco smoke chemistry and regulatory testing methodologies.
• Experience with chromatographic techniques and associated analytical instrumentation.
• Experience working within ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP environments.
• Knowledge of tobacco and nicotine product testing requirements.
• Experience supporting method validation and technology transfer activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain smoking machines and associated collection equipment used to generate and collect mainstream cigarette smoke under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Execute smoking process instructions and support regulatory and product characterization studies involving combustible tobacco products.
• Assemble impinger systems and collection apparatus used for the determination of carbonyl compounds, ammonia, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other smoke constituents.
• Perform smoke sample preparation activities and support analyses used to quantify total particulate matter and carbon monoxide.
• Verify equipment performance and ensure testing activities are conducted in accordance with established procedures and quality requirements.
• Review analytical data and laboratory records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and collection systems and participate in investigations involving atypical results and equipment issues.
• Support method validation, technology transfer, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with analytical scientists and quality personnel to ensure efficient execution of testing programs.
• Maintain training and compliance in health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements.

Benefits

• PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
• PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree