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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Industrial Chemist

💰 $65,000 - $120,000

ScienceManufacturingResearch & DevelopmentQuality Control

🎯 Role Definition

An Industrial Chemist is the crucial link between scientific discovery and tangible, mass-produced products. In this role, you are a hands-on problem-solver, applying your deep knowledge of chemistry to invent, improve, and troubleshoot chemical processes on an industrial scale. You'll work at the heart of manufacturing, ensuring products are not only innovative but also safe, high-quality, and efficiently produced. This position requires a unique blend of laboratory precision and practical, real-world application, making it a dynamic and impactful career for those passionate about seeing science come to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Chemistry Graduate (B.S. or M.S.)
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Quality Control Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Industrial Chemist / Principal Scientist
  • Research and Development (R&D) Manager
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Manager or Director
  • Plant or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Engineer
  • Product Development Scientist
  • Technical Sales Representative

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, test, and refine chemical formulations and manufacturing processes to enhance product performance, reduce costs, and improve overall production efficiency.
  • Conduct rigorous quality control analysis on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods to ensure strict adherence to internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain sophisticated analytical laboratory equipment, including but not limited to GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, and atomic absorption spectrometers for detailed analysis.
  • Lead and meticulously document laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant trials to validate new processes or product formulations before full-scale production implementation.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot production process deviations, product quality issues, and customer complaints by applying systematic root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Expertly scale up chemical processes from laboratory benchtop to pilot plant and full manufacturing scale, addressing challenges related to heat transfer, mixing, and reaction kinetics.
  • Author, review, and update comprehensive technical documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, batch records, and safety protocols.
  • Perform detailed chemical and physical property testing of materials to characterize their behavior and ensure they meet demanding design and performance specifications.
  • Collaborate closely with R&D teams to effectively transfer new product technologies and formulations from the research phase into a stable and scalable manufacturing environment.
  • Ensure all laboratory and production activities are conducted in strict compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations, including OSHA and EPA guidelines.
  • Analyze and interpret complex data sets from experiments and production runs, preparing detailed technical reports and presentations for management and cross-functional teams.
  • Manage the inventory of laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables, ensuring proper storage, handling, and compliant disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Provide expert technical support and hands-on training to production operators and technicians on chemical processes, safety procedures, and quality standards.
  • Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma) to identify and implement opportunities for process optimization and waste reduction.
  • Evaluate and qualify new raw material suppliers by conducting thorough testing and analysis to ensure they meet stringent quality and performance criteria.
  • Develop and validate novel analytical test methods to support new product development and improve the accuracy and efficiency of quality control testing.
  • Stay current with advancements in chemical technologies, analytical techniques, and industry regulations to maintain a competitive edge and ensure ongoing compliance.
  • Manage project timelines and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects, from initial concept and feasibility through to final implementation and post-launch validation.
  • Support the environmental compliance program by monitoring waste streams, managing chemical disposal records, and assisting in the preparation of regulatory reports.
  • Conduct comprehensive stability testing on finished products to accurately determine shelf-life and identify potential degradation pathways under various storage conditions.

Secondary Functions

  • Author and maintain detailed technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and safety data sheets (SDS).
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, new chemical technologies, and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, engineering, and supply chain to resolve manufacturing issues and support new product introductions.
  • Provide essential technical support and training to production staff on chemical handling, safety protocols, and new process implementation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expertise in analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and UV-Vis Spectroscopy.
  • Strong knowledge of Formulation Chemistry and Product Development principles.
  • Experience with Process Chemistry and the challenges of Process Scale-Up.
  • Proficiency in Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) methodologies.
  • Application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DoE).
  • Familiarity with cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) environments.
  • Understanding of regulatory compliance, including OSHA, EPA, and REACH standards.
  • Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
  • Excellent Technical Writing skills for creating reports, SOPs, and batch records.
  • Proven ability in Root Cause Analysis and systematic troubleshooting.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical and methodical problem-solving.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and precision.
  • Strong collaboration and teamwork abilities.
  • Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
  • Project management and organizational skills.
  • Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment.
  • Innate curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry (Analytical, Organic, Inorganic)
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-10+ years in a relevant industrial or manufacturing setting.

Preferred: Direct experience within a specific industry such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, coatings, food and beverage, or consumer goods manufacturing is highly valued.

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