Chemist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY :

This position will be responsible for providing analysis, technical support and leadership to teams of laboratory associates.

Provide support and enhancements to the quality systems and GMP compliance in the laboratory. Performing routine and non-routine analysis of a chemical and physical nature on finished, raw, and processed ingredients as well as finished stock samples.

May function in the control of raw ingredients or finished stock via performance of sampling, inspections and recording.

Must be adaptable to a fast paced environment, comfortable in multi-tasking and working with numerous groups and systems.

Organized approach to managing multiple priorities; balancing the required disciplines while remaining flexible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function in accordance with applicable law :

• Oversee cGMP compliant laboratory testing operations (i.e. inspection, calibrations, chemical reagents and standards) on their shift and as assigned.
• Provide technical support to internal and external customers including Packaging, Processing, R&D and Contract Manufacturers (CMs).
• Ensure all technical transfers are complete (including specifications and standards) for internal and external customers.
• Ensure consistency in laboratory operations and drive continuous improvements in laboratory performance.
• Approve and release raw ingredients, processed ingredients, finished ingredients and finished stock according to established procedures.
• Creation and / or Approval Item Masters for data collection in Quality Data System. Transfer information into the database and perform data analysis ensuring all tests and data are correctly entered and monitored on a daily basis.
• Communicate to the appropriate organizations and suppliers the status of raw, finished, processed ingredient and microbiological analyses.

Communicate to supervision out of specification test results.

• Perform finished stock evaluations (when applicable, i.e., Line Start-ups, Line Prep release, Branch inspections and CM samples).
• Maintain and review all notebooks, written and computer records, logs and files related to the above functions, and as required by Fareva Policies.
• Participates in the routine auditing of records for cGMP compliance.
• Able to understand systems as it relates to the control and release of quarantined materials.
• Perform analytical and identification determinations using various laboratory instrumentation such as : High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, Infrared Spectrophotometer, UV / Vis Spectrophotometer, XRF, and Karl Fisher.
• Conduct wet chemistry testing (titrations, distillations, etc).
• Make adjustments to finished ingredient batches that are not within specifications. Monitor processing steps in the manufacture of first manufactured batches and selected problem products in conjunction with lab management personnel.
• Maintain standard samples of raw ingredients, perfume oils and finished ingredients.
• Handle collection and disposal of hazardous waste and waste solvents generated by the lab in processing in accordance with safety, EPA and regulatory requirements.
• Perform sampling of incoming ingredients as applicable.
• Work closely with diverse Fareva organization to provide assistance to all areas with evaluating and resolving OOS (out of specification) issues, standards or specifications.
• Performs aesthetic, dimensional and physical inspections and any tests on each lot / receipt of the CM samples. Must be capable of coordinating testing as required by the product specification between CM, Analytical and Micro Laboratories.
• Requests and retrieves technical information (specifications, drawings and standards) from various sources to assist in resolving quality issues and resolve problems as necessary.
• Track new products to ensure first production samples are properly managed and disseminate samples to appropriate Fareva organizations (i.

e. R&D, NPE&D, and Sourcing).

• Conducts timely communication regarding product quality release externally to CMs and to other Departments, as needed.
• Train new employees on all relevant inspection processes and the quality data system.
• Follow safety policies and maintain good housekeeping in work area.
• Responsible for all analytical and microbial testing on raw ingredients, processed ingredients, finished ingredients, finished stock and retains.
• Calibrations of instruments and standardization of solutions.
• Ability to test in an organized approach (grouping like tests) to maximize testing efficiency.
• Track, issue and resolve OOS (out of specification) notifications driven by internal and / or external customers. Ensure root cause / corrective action responses for confirmed OOS events on raw ingredients, finished ingredients and finished good lot(s);

evaluate and act on customer response.

• Responsible for accuracy and integrity of the Quality Data Systems.
• Ability to interpret test data and report suspect findings to Quality Management.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Accurate recording of all Laboratory results.
• Must wear all Laboratory required PPE.
• Exercises professionalism in dealing with all situations.
• Maintains the confidentiality of company information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE :

• Strong analytical skills, mathematical skills, deductive and analytical reasoning.
• Education : Minimum BS or BA degree in chemical or science related degreed required, plus 2-5 years in a related technical field, including instrumental analysis or equivalent experience.
• Basic computer skills such as Word, Excel (no assessment needed).
• Ability to become proficient in utilization of Fareva database systems as part of New Item entry and approval process.
• Ability to become skilled in operational systems such as Lab, MRP and Warehouse.
• Working knowledge of microbiological and / or chemical principles and analytical procedures.
• Knowledgeable in cGMP requirements as it relates to a topical OTC manufacturing laboratory.
• Ability to handle pressure and demonstrate flexibility.
• Able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills due to diverse nature of role. Must be able to articulate issues and develop solutions with internal and external customers.
• Ability to prioritize handling of situations.
• Must have a positive attitude.
• Ability to follow all methods and procedures in strict compliance with FDA cGLP guidelines.
• Able to use common sense in conjunction with abstract thinking to solve complex problems. Able to generate multiple possible solutions to problems.

Requires little supervision when problem solving.

• Able to read and interpret documents such as specifications, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals without supervisor explanation.
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from Management, Associates, various Avon organizations and suppliers.
• Must be able to achieve the specified rating on the Munsell -Farnsworth Color Hue Test.
• Must be able to pass the fragrance odor panel test.
• Must demonstrate an ability to perform complex calculations.
• Ability to use and learn computer software.
• Must be able to work weekends, as needed.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLITY QUALIFICATION :

N / A

WORK ENVIRONMENT : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with applicable law :

The working environment includes both office and plant floor settings. Exposure to industrial noise, forklift traffic, noise, wet floors, odors, fumes, moving mechanical parts, and temperature fluctuations and extremes in operating areas of the plant.

Specified PPE required in operational areas.

• Possible exposure to airborne dust and chemicals associated with a micro laboratory and cosmetic processing facility.
• Possible exposure to pathogens while handling test plates and culturing microorganisms.
• Moderate safety risks associated with a light industrial environment.
• Moderate safety risks associated with steam sterilization operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with applicable law :

• Walking and some climbing of stairs & walkways required.
• Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, crouch, reach and climb.
• Repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and / or fingers.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
• Sitting for extended periods of time working in front of a computer screen.
• Standing / walking for extended periods of time.
5 days ago