Formulation and Quality Control Chemist

Job Description

As the Formulation and Quality Control Chemist, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and evaluating fertilizer formulations, ensuring product quality, consistency, and compliance with industry standards and regulations at ICL Fresno. This role involves conducting research, performing laboratory testing, and analyzing chemical compositions to develop effective and environmentally sustainable fertilizers. The chemist will also oversee quality control processes during production to ensure that finished products meet stringent specifications.

Where is this position located?

This position will work out of the ICL Fresno California location. 

I’m interested! What will I get to do in this position?

Formulation Development:

• Develop new fertilizer and adjuvant formulations, optimizing chemical and physical properties for specific agricultural applications.
• Modify existing formulations to enhance efficiency, nutrient release, and environmental impact.
• Collaborate with agronomists and product development teams to tailor products for various soil types and crop needs.

Quality Control:

• Conduct routine quality control tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure adherence to specified standards.
• Analyze product stability, nutrient content, pH, moisture levels, and other relevant parameters.
• Develop and maintain quality control documentation, including batch records, lab reports, and certificates of analysis.

Testing and Analysis:

• Perform chemical and physical tests such as titrations, spectroscopy, and chromatography to assess product quality.
• Utilize advanced laboratory instruments to measure nutrient composition, solubility, particle size, and other critical properties.
• Investigate and troubleshoot product failures or deviations from expected results.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure all products comply with local and international regulatory standards.
• Maintain laboratory safety protocols and ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Keep up to date with regulatory changes affecting fertilizer production and quality control processes.

Research and Innovation:

• Stay informed about advancements in fertilizer technologies, raw materials, and formulation techniques.
• Propose and implement innovations to improve product performance and sustainability.
• Lead small-scale production trials and scale-up activities for new formulations.
• Perform product compatibility tests in response to agronomist and customer input to understand formulation compatibility with other nutrient sources and crop protection chemistries.

What skills and experience do I need to be successful in this role? 

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field required, Master’s degree in a related field preferred. 
• 5+ years of experience in formulation chemistry, quality control, or R&D, preferably in the fertilizer or agrochemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of chemical analysis techniques and lab instrumentation techniques such as ICP spectroscopy.
• Experience with product formulation and scaling up from lab to production.
• Familiarity with ISO or other quality standards related to the fertilizer industry.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills with attention to detail in quality control processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional global team.

What will set me apart?

• Experience with environmental sustainability in fertilizer production.
• Knowledge of soil science or agronomy is a plus.
• Knowledge of adjuvant chemistry and applications.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies and compliance frameworks in the fertilizer sector.

Compensation at ICL: If you are hired at ICL, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. We also offer a generous benefits package (more information on benefits listed below).

Salary Range: $86,000 - $118,000

Annual Bonus Target: 5%, subject to plan provisions.

We've Got You Covered

ICL is committed to offering you a comprehensive set of benefits to empower you and your family physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The benefits we offer to our diverse and inclusive workforce include:

• Competitive base pay and performance bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, and life benefits that start quickly
• Tax-advantaged health savings and spending accounts (when applicable)
• Wellness Incentive Program to lower your health insurance cost
• Generous Leave and FMLA policies
• Prescription program that provides most generic maintenance medications at little to no cost
• 401k eligibility from day one of employment with a generous company matching contribution. 100% vested after one year of service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Assistance
• Free membership to a program that offers various discounts for travel, entertainment, groceries, and much more