HPLC Chemist

Job Description

Cambium Analytica - an NSF company - is expanding its analytical laboratory operations in Traverse City, Michigan to support growth in dietary supplements, food and beverage, ingredients and botanicals, and cosmetics testing. The Chemist I on the HPLC team is responsible for essential laboratory functions, including sample preparation, basic instrument operation, and data processing under the guidance of the Team Lead. A primary focus of Chemist I includes accurately preparing and processing samples for HPLC analysis, following standard protocol for all laboratory techniques, and assists in operating the HPLC instruments for routine analysis, ensuring proper setup and adherence to established methods. In addition, this position is learning how to collect raw data, reports anomalies, and uploads data to the LIMS while maintaining data accuracy and integrity. The Chemist I also supports, assists, and performs routine instrument maintenance, such as cleaning, calibrating, and troubleshooting, with guidance from senior chemists, to ensure continuous performance. Additionally, this role follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines to guarantee high quality results and assists with method validation and quality control. Lastly, the Chemist I works closely with the Team Lead to develop technical expertise in HPLC methodologies, while contributing to the overall objectives of the team and company's mission. We are looking for someone who is methodical and patient with repetitive, detail-intensive work, takes genuine pride in doing things right the first time, and is eager to build real technical expertise in analytical chemistry over time.

Responsibilities

1. Research Design & Development
• Execute method development, optimization, and validation activities within defined project scope.
• Apply established scientific principles to support experimental design and method performance.
• Contribute to defining experimental parameters, success criteria, and documentation requirements.
• Support method transfer activities through execution, documentation, and implementation support.
• Conduct literature reviews and apply findings to support method development and problem-solving.

2. Experimental Execution & Data Analysis
• Independently execute laboratory experiments and analytical testing (e.g., LCMS, HPLC-DAD) in accordance with established protocols and timelines.
• Analyze, interpret, and document experimental data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot experimental and instrumentation issues, resolving routine challenges and escalating complex problems as needed.
• Synthesize results into clear, actionable insights to support internal decision-making and client reporting.
• Maintain data integrity through thorough review and adherence to documentation and LIMS requirements.

3. Regulatory & Quality Compliance
• Ensure all work aligns with regulatory, industry, and internal quality standards.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation to support compliance and data integrity.
• Follow established validation and documentation practices in collaboration with Quality.
• Identify and communicate potential data integrity or compliance concerns.

4. Reporting & Knowledge Sharing
• Assist in preparing reports, publications, and presentations for internal or external audiences.
• Provide technical insights to support client needs and organizational objectives.
• Share knowledge and findings to enhance team learning and project outcomes.

5. Inventory & Supplies Management
• Monitor inventory levels of consumables and solvents to support uninterrupted method development activities.
• Submit and manage purchase requests in alignment with operational needs.
• Support equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization to ensure reliable operation.
• Maintain supplier relationships to address quality concerns and ensure continuity of materials.

6. Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
• Collaborate within the RPD team to support cross-functional projects and departmental initiatives.
• Contribute to process improvement efforts, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving business and team needs.

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Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a related science field or an equivalent combination of experience and coursework.•
• 0 to 2 years of experience in an analytical testing laboratory.
• Knowledge of standard analytical lab procedures with some instrumentation experience.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work well in a production team environment with strong organizational skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams etc.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to organize work and maintain workflow in an independent manner.

About Us

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

About the Team

NSF's global network of state-of-the-art laboratories is the "backbone" of NSF's comprehensive testing and certification services. Staffed by engineers, chemists, microbiologists and toxicologists, we offer world-class technical expertise across the food, water and life sciences industries.