Scientist/Senior Scientist

Job Description

This position performs both routine and non-routine laboratory procedures in sample extraction and instrumental analysis to provide, as part of a team, high-quality analytical chemistry service to LGC's customers. The role also may assist (Scientist) or lead (Senior Scientist) in technical training and in the development of new methods and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform extractions on product to isolate drugs and drug metabolites
• Maintain and operate instrumentation (e.g. HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS)
  • Perform routine maintenance
  • Monitor equipment to evaluate performance and to diagnose malfunctions
  • Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation as needed and identify when to contact vendor for assistance.
• Provision of results following documented procedures
• Produce results in a timely manner to meet client turnaround time requirements
• Strict compliance with chain of custody procedures for all forensic samples
• Plan and conduct analytical work using appropriate techniques and in accord with regulatory standards, e.g. ISO 17025
• Write and revise Standard Operating Procedures
• Prepare reagents and reference materials for use in chemical analyses
• Receive, access, and log-in client samples
• Maintain work-related documentation (e.g. laboratory records, test results) in hard copy and/or electronic form according to laboratory protocol
• Participate in tracking of supply, reagent and reference material inventories and initiate purchase requisitions where necessary
• Organize, clean, and maintain workspace
• Under direction of higher-level scientists, learn higher-level functions (e.g. protocol development and implementation, theory, concepts, and principles underlying methodologies, and advanced analysis and interpretation of test results)
• Contribute to the work of the team in a flexible manner and with minimal supervision
• Responsive and willing to perform additional analyses as and when required
• Other duties as assigned
• Comply with all company policies and safety procedures

In addition to the above-listed essential functions, the following also apply to the Senior Scientist position

• Leadership within the laboratory and management of scientific programs
• Planned and coordinated use of methods and equipment
• Development, design and implementation of standard operating procedures and methodology for which there are no published, established standard protocols or methods using a range of analytical techniques
• Critical assessment of analytical data, presentation of results and recommendations of further actions
• Supervise the training of new/temporary staff and act as line manager, if required
• Present work internally and externally
• Plan and direct method validation exercises
• Authorized to approve and issue customer reports

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related discipline
• Plus at least one (1) year of relevant laboratory experience or an advanced degree in a related discipline
• Computer proficient, especially with Microsoft Office programs
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities
• Accurate and diligent with a high attention to detail
• Ability to successfully work as part of an operational team
• Awareness of scientific principles and practice
• Ability to read, comprehend, and speak English
• Additional qualifications for the Senior Scientist role:
  • A minimum of five (5) years relevant post-degree work experience or masters degree and a minimum of three (3) years relevant post-degree work experience, or a PhD and a minimum of one (1) year relevant work experience
  • Experience with LC/MS and GC/MS instrumentation
  • Good communicator, able to record laboratory work accurately and concisely
  • Accurate and diligent with high attention to detail
  • Reliable with a high degree of integrity

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Critical thinking skills
• Curious and ability to problem solve
• Experience with experimental design
• Leadership qualities and ability to be a role model
• Highly motivated and proactive attitude