Senior Laboratory Specialist

The Clorox Company • Durham, NC

1d • $55,600 - $118,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Laboratory Specialist role is responsible for managing the R&D lab spaces in Durham, intake and execution of technical lab requests from R&D teammates, and supporting successful product development learnings. This role is crucial for delivering Clorox’s innovation growth targets through strong laboratory rigor in bench-scale development experiments, sample and data generation, and testing.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in R&D Laboratory roles within the personal care industry, with an emphasis on roles in laboratory management.
• Experience with R&D systems – e.g. MS Office, material/formula tracking, lab notebooks, laboratory data capture, and knowledge management.
• Strong lab fundamentals and technique.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of personal care raw materials, formulations, and processes and the ability to successfully execute batches at lab scale.
• Applicable knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products (Outlook, Excel, etc.) and lab software.
• Ability to manage the delegation of work within technician team while meeting requested deliverables.
• Skilled in prioritization to manage competing deliverables, and escalation for decisions as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred in a relevant scientific field – or relevant transferrable lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize and execute batching, testing, stability, and sample preparation requests; coordinate with Technician(s) for task assignment.
• Manage execution timelines, ensuring work is completed accurately and on time.
• Proactively communicate progress, results, and potential challenges to key stakeholders; collaborate on solutions to meet project deliverables.
• Execute complex methods and standard procedures to produce reliable and reproducible results.
• Coordinate with External (clinical and safety) testing partners; manage sample prep and transport, track and share results with requestors.
• Ensure all lab equipment is available, calibrated, and functioning; perform or coordinate preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Lead approved equipment installation and capital improvement in partnership with R&D.
• Maintain lab cleanliness standards; manage 3rd-party custodial services and enforce ownership by R&D users.
• Support the R&D liaison to enterprise EHS: communicate Lab safety plan and ensure Durham lab safety compliance.
• Manage waste sorting and removal in compliance with sustainability goals and local regulations.
• Maintain adequate stock of common raw materials and packaging components to meet R&D request timelines.
• Order materials proactively from internal sites and external suppliers; arrange courier services for compliant delivery.
• Prepare common materials for Scientist-performed lab work.
• Own accurate material inventory tracking; identify and implement process improvements.
• Cross-train technicians, scientists, and other lab users on lab safety, equipment operation, and standard procedures.
• Maintain SOPs and oversee training scheduling and documentation.
• Track lab consumables, materials, and contracted service costs within approved budget.
• Monitor equipment depreciation and partner with Manager for replacement planning.
• Coordinate lab tours and demonstrations for enterprise visitors outside Burt's Bees/Foods R&D.
• Schedule visits to minimize workflow disruption and protect intellectual property (IP).
• Ensure all visitors complete safety and hygiene acknowledgements before entering lab spaces.

Benefits

• Robust health plans
• Market-leading 401(k) program with a company match
• Flexible time off benefits (including half-day summer Fridays depending on location)
• Inclusive fertility/adoption benefits

What This Job Offers

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