QC CHEMIST III - 1st SHIFT en NOW Foods

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assists in coordinating and delegating laboratory testing by setting priorities based on the needs of operations.
• Tests materials as assigned by priority listing provided daily by QC management using various types of equipment - pH meter, FTIR, HPLC, GC, HPTLC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, LC/MS, GC/MS, LC/MS TOF, auto titrators, and balances.
• Independently sets up, runs, and troubleshoots instrumentation.
• Performs data interpretation and reporting.
• Revises and creates SOPs as needed.
• Provides guidance, mentoring and training to other technicians.
• Assists and conducts method transfers and method validation in coordination with methods group.
• Assists in coordination of the workload in lab including stability, raw materials, finished product, and special requests.
• Records and evaluates data and documentation for completeness.
• Initiates out-of-spec investigations.
• Performs various housekeeping duties in the lab including disposing of hazardous waste and instrument PM and calibrations.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe laboratory operations; follows all safety rules and procedures.  Actively participates in the safety program by: engaging in training activities to learn what constitutes a safety hazard; reporting safety concerns to management or safety teams, submitting safety suggestions, and correcting or reporting to the appropriate people when the employee sees a workplace health or safety hazard, until it is resolved.  Assists with communicating safety information to new employees.  Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety management plan.

QUALIFICATIONS 

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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) or equivalent from four-year college or technical school in a laboratory science such as Biology, Chemistry or related field, and at least five years laboratory experience including hands on instrumental analysis (such as FTIR, FT-NIR, HPLC, LC/MS, HPTLC, GC, GC/MS, ICP/MS, ICP/OES and UV/Vis), troubleshooting, and training experience.
• Familiarity with general laboratory safety, procedures and instrumentation.
• Excellent computer skills required, including Microsoft Word, Access and Excel.
• Experience with database management systems such as Oracle and LIMS are desired.
• Knowledge and application of cGMP regulations.
• Knowledge of industry quality control procedures, chemical laboratory instrumentation and standard operating procedures required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, and procedure manuals. Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Excellent problem solving skills required. Able to compare results obtained to specifications to determine if result meets requirements.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Excellent time management, meeting deadlines, attention to detail, verbal and written communication skills, listening, decision-making, troubleshooting/problem solving and organization skills required.  Must possess strong organizational and leadership skills, be a self-starter and able to handle multiple tasks.  Must possess professional attitude and be able to work well with peers and management.   Ability to mentor and train lower level chemists.

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.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to be able to use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms to properly handle and prepare samples and materials in the lab as needed.  The employee is regularly required to handle testing equipment, raw materials and finished product, tools, or controls and communicate in person and on the telephone.

Repetitive proper handling and manipulation of the tools, instruments and materials during required procedures in preparation of samples are frequently required.  In addition, computer keyboard and mouse usage is frequently required. 

The employee frequently is required to use his/her sense of taste or smell; to reach overhead; and to push/pull and move gas cylinders and 55 gallon drums at waist level. The employee is occasionally required to move from place to place within the facility, to climb, balance, or stoop. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision. 

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.

The employee is frequently exposed to vapors and/or herbal aromas. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The employee may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.

2025 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE