Chemist II

Since 1980, NAI has been a leader in nutritional health, bringing whole food-based supplements to a global population. NAI is a leading expert and manufacturer of dietary supplements. We are involved in every facet of the industry, including research, development, manufacturing and marketing and advocacy. As a company, we continue to grow with manufacturing locations in Vista and Carlsbad, CA. We are looking for seasoned and entry level candidates that are interested in working for a great company with opportunities to grow, competitive pay and benefits.BenefitsFree medical (one plan) and other medical plan optionsDental, vision, life insurance and other voluntary benefit options.$1,000 Employee Referral Bonus3 weeks' vacation and 11 paid holidays401K including company matching and profit sharingOpportunities for advancementComprehensive trainingTuition Reimbursement and more!SummaryPerform routine and non-routine analysis of raw, in-process, and finished products using various analytical methodologies (chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques). Process, interpret, trend and report testing results in a timely and professional manner. Investigate and document out-of-trend and out-of-specs results. Assist with methodology review and improvement efforts. Comply with all applicable regulations and policies.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesPerform routine and non-routine testing of raw materials, in-process, finished products, and stability samples in support of production and R&D.Conduct analytical (HPLC-UV, UPLC/MS-MS, ICP/MS, GC/MSMS, HPTLC, UV/Vis, FTIR), physical (LOD, weight uniformity) and chemical (Karl Fisher, pH, titrations, USP monographs) analysis per established lab SOPs.Perform testing with accuracy and precision; maintain accurate and detailed records.Prepare sample, standard, and reagent solutions as required by the test methods.Handle and store all chemicals according to safely guidelines. Ensure that chemicals are within their respective shelf life.Assist in the maintenance of an up-to-date and accurate chemicals and supplies inventory.Monitor the stability of reference standards used in the quantitative assays.Operate and maintain general laboratory equipment (pipettes, pH meters, analytical balances ) and instruments (HPLC-UV, UPLC/MS-MS, ICP/MS, GC/MSMS, HPTLC, UV/Vis, FTIR ).Troubleshoot instrument errors as needed. Ensure that adequate documentation is kept in the appropriate equipment logbook. Promptly report incident to senior chemist and/or supervisor.Communicate testing status in a timely and effective manner to management and to the lab coordinators.Process and report testing data in a timely manner, submit to a chemist for peer review, then management for final approval.Perform peer review of data and reports generated by other analysts.Perform out-of-specification (OOS) investigations and create OOS reports as needed for raw materials and finished products.Monitor overtime data obtained for a given matrix to identify out-of-trend results and/or systemic issues.Process stability studies data and evaluate if results are satisfactory to establish stability trends.Ensure that all the necessary documentation is completed for each sample. Carefully enter all pertinent data in analyst notebooks, electronic databases (LIMS), test request forms, and lab reports.Perform basic instrument maintenance per in-house procedures, facilitate adherence to Calibration and Qualification SOPs.Assist in efforts to develop and validate new analytical methods and/or to improve existing methods.Review periodically lab SOPs and revise documents as needed to ensure that they are accurate and adequate training tools.Keep work area safe, clean and organized. Wash glassware and other labware as needed.Participate in the waste disposal program of the lab hazardous materials.Learn and demonstrate proficiency in new analytical methodologies as assigned by the supervisor.Train chemistry technicians and associate chemists on instrumentation, methodologies and lab SOPs.Report to work on time and follow all company procedures and guidelines.Comply with cGMP, cGLP and other applicable government regulations, as well as company compliance guidelines, standards, and objectives.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned and directed by management.QualificationsBS or BA degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related science degree.Minimum 3-5 years hands-on experience in an analytical lab, preferably in the dietary supplement or a related industry.HPLC experience required (familiarity with Waters instruments HPLC, UPLC and Empower software desirable).MS experience highly desirable (ICP/MS, GC/MS-MS, HPLC/MS, or UPLC/MS-MS), including familiarity with MS instrument software (MassLynx, MassHunter, TurboMass).Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required. Familiarity with LIMS software is a plus.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work in a team environment.Strong problem solving and investigational skills.Able to troubleshoot quality issues and determine locus of failure and corrective actions efficiently.Quality-minded and detail-oriented individual able to carry out assignments in a thorough, conscientious fashion.Ability to multi-task and adjust to changes in workflow priorities to meet deadlines, while adhering to safe laboratory practices.Quick and eager learner, able to easily adopt new instrumentation and methodology.Experience with cGMP and cGLP requiredPhysical DemandsAble to work with and around hazardous materials, chemicals, and equipmentRegularly required to communicate with others (talk and hear)Required to frequently sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controlsThe employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and armsMust occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 poundsSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focusWork EnvironmentComputer workstation and climate-controlled office environment. Analytical laboratory requiring use of PPE (lab coats, gloves, lab glasses, and any additional PPE as necessary). May occasionally enter production areas where personal protective equipment might be required to prevent or lessens exposure to airborne powdered nutritional supplement substances.NAI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.