Associate QA Chemist

Position Purpose:

We are seeking an analytical chemist with general laboratory experience including creation of standards/spiking mixes, sample preparation, and sample analysis as well as familiarity with GC/MS, FTIR, percent moisture determination, LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV, and/or Raman analytical platforms. The focus of this role will be on providing technical support to Signature Science's quality assurance (QA) contracts for defense and homeland security programs as well as commercial proficiency testing (PT) programs, including HazMat PT, hemp/cannabis PT, and custom PT programs. The successful candidate will also support internal Signature Science quality programs through maintenance of the quality management system and QA laboratory support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with planning and implementation of chemical analysis proficiency tests for methods such as gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), percent moisture determination, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), high performance liquid chromatography - ultraviolet (HPLC-UV), and Raman. Activities include developing proficiency test plans, performing laboratory pilot testing, preparing and verifying proficiency test samples, and packaging samples for shipment.
• Perform laboratory activities related to the preparation and verification of proficiency test samples, as detailed below:
  o Creation of standards/spiking mixes,
  o Sample creation,
  o Sample extraction/dilution, and sample analysis, using techniques such as GC/MS, FTIR, percent moisture determination, LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV, and Raman.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and laboratory records.
• Perform laboratory inventories, purchase laboratory supplies, and maintain appropriate purchasing records.
• Evaluate special study and proficiency test data, identify data trends and other issues, and help prepare reports.
• Lead or assist with the validation and/or verification of new methods
• Contribute to the development and revision of internal and external quality documents based on ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043, ISO 17034, and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP) standards, as applicable.
• Perform internal audits of Signature Science systems and procedures against relevant internal or external standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043, and ISO 17034.
• Regularly communicate with internal laboratory staff to help resolve laboratory or other quality-related issues.
• Other activities may include:
  o Assisting client laboratories in preparing for external ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation audits and attend assessments as an advocate for the client laboratory
  o Communicating with external laboratory staff to help resolve QA, PT, or other quality-related issues
  o Providing feedback and help prepare auditee corrective actions packets for submission to the accreditation body or certification body
  o Providing ISO/IEC 17025 training or training on other quality topics to clients
  o May serve as a task leader on one or more projects
  

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• General chemistry laboratory experience (e.g., creation of standards/spiking mixes, sample extraction/dilution, and sample analysis).
• Knowledge of and/or experience with GC/MS, FTIR, percent moisture determination, LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV, and/or Raman analytical platforms.
• General quality management experience, preferably in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, self-starter
  
  Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
• Laboratory experience with GC/MS, FTIR, percent moisture determination, LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV, and/or Raman analytical platforms.
• Experience assessing data for trends.
• Analytical laboratory auditing experience.
• Knowledge and experience with relevant quality standards, including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043, ISO 17034, and/or CLIP.
• Ability to lead small teams and ensure accurate and timely submission of project deliverables.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor degree (or higher) in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field.
• At least 3 years experience performing analytical chemistry laboratory work

Certificates and Licenses:

None upon hire

Clearance:

Candidate must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May serve as a task leader on one or more projects

Working Conditions/ Equipment:

• Ability to work in varying conditions to include: traditional office environments with sedentary extended periods required for voluminous data analysis via office automation;
• Climate controlled laboratory environments requiring extended periods of standing when performing laboratory analyses, or during audits and SOP observation;
• Mobile laboratories, subject to wide ranges of temperature and humidity requiring extended periods of standing, stooping or kneeling in confined spaces; conference, classrooms or theaters that involve extended periods of standing for training delivery or command briefings; and outdoors in various weather and lighting conditions including heat, humidity, cold, snow, bright sun, and dark night.
• Exposure to various chemical and biological materials associated with an analytical lab or facility.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, coats or gowns, shoe cover, tyvek coveralls, safety glasses, respirators, and/or PAPRs.
• Subject to medical monitoring based on lab functions.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.