Junior Chemist

Job Title: Junior Chemist

Classification: Salary, Full Time, Exempt

Direct Supervisor: Lab Technical Manager

Job Summary: Kuehne Company is seeking a motivated Junior Chemist to perform various tests of products, raw materials, and the collection of process samples for daily technical analysis. The Junior Chemist will log and report analysis results to the Lab Manager and the Operations team each day.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Responsibilities:

• Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of raw materials and finished products according to established written procedures.
• Prepares standards and reagents, calibrates and operates sophisticated laboratory instruments such as HPLC, ICP, and GC, and more.
• Solve practical problems and carry out responsibilities under minimal supervision.
• Review laboratory procedures and update them as necessary with the Lab Manager's approval.
• Create the purchase requisition for ordering lab supplies and send them to the Lab manager for approval.
• Help with method development.
• Update and maintain the list of lab inventory and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Travel between three sites as needed to help another lab employee with testing and method development.
• Assist in training lab personnel with lab methods and instrumentation.
• Assist with DOE projects.
• Be involved with internal audits and ISO/ RC training.
• Assist in shipping lab samples to customers or third-party labs by obtaining shipping certification.
• Document detailed data in a lab notebook.
• Review product certificates of analysis (COA) for accuracy and conformity, maintaining COA files.
• Ensure a clean and safe working environment in compliance with safety standards.
• Perform necessary laboratory administrative functions such as filing paperwork, photocopying, reviewing data, and entering data into a computerized data log.
• Report out-of-specification results to the production supervisor.
• Maintain test logs and document laboratory test results.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with the operation of GC, ICP, HPLC, and Spectrophotometer.
• Accountable, self-motivated, and able to provide team leadership towards a common goal.
• Creative, task-orientated, and innovative with a systematic approach to problem-solving.
• Possess mathematical and scientific aptitude with the patience to pursue complex problems methodically.
• Experience composing, compiling, and preparing reports and correspondence.
• Skilled in interacting, advising, training, and communicating effectively.
• Proficient in exchanging written and verbal information and instructions; capable of conducting oral presentations.
• Experienced in developing information and delivering presentations.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Competent computer skills with knowledge of commonly used MS Office software.
• Capable of working with limited supervision while meeting plant objectives.
• Effective communicator with internal company personnel and external vendors.
• Able to make routine decisions within a predetermined span of authority.
• Hands‐on approach with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to organize workload effectively for implementation.
• Thorough understanding of the properties of dangerous chemicals and safe handling methods.
• Capable of working in a team with varying levels of experience and education.
• Must be able to pass a 10-panel controlled substance testing and random testing after that.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation check and maintain in good standing order, as per TSA’s TWIC criteria.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field required.
• 0-3 years of experience working in a lab.

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable moving around the laboratory, including walking, standing, and potentially lifting or carrying equipment and supplies.
• Capable of sitting for extended periods, periodically bending and twisting, and frequently applying a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Good manual dexterity is essential for precision work.
• Ability to read small print on labels and instruments.

This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this position description is intended to reflect the position's activities and requirements accurately, management reserves the right to modify, and or remove duties as necessary. This is a Safety Sensitive Position within the organization.

Kuehne is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disabled/Veteran)