At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct quality control testing and support R&D teams in a fast-paced lab.
- Company: Join a leading company in the fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with advanced analytical equipment and improve processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and safety while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry and 1-2 years of lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Perform quality control testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using a range of analytical techniques.
- Document and report analytical results in accordance with quality procedures and regulatory standards.
- Support production, quality, and R&D teams through accurate and timely laboratory testing.
- Investigate analytical issues, out-of-specification results, and support root cause analysis.
- Contribute to method development, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain laboratory compliance, technical documentation, and safe working practices.
Instrument Skills
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Karl Fischer Titrators (KF)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Analytical Balances
- Titration Equipment
- Gas Generation Systems
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workloads in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety and handling hazardous chemicals.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Required Experience
- Degree in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience).
- 1-2 years' experience within an analytical or quality control laboratory. Years of experience may include relevant academic experience.
- Practical experience operating GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer equipment, and titrations.
- Experience handling hazardous chemicals.
- Understanding of QC Quality systems like ISO 9001:2015.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and working to deadlines.
Desired / Advanced Experience
- 3-5 years' Quality Control experience within fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or a related industry.
- Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing GC, HPLC, and gas generation systems.
- Advanced expertise operating GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer equipment, titration systems, and analytical balances.
- Experience supporting analytical method development and validation.
- Knowledge of quality management systems, including ISO 9001:2015.
- Proven ability to investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Demonstrated success driving process improvements and laboratory efficiency initiatives.
- Strong track record of prioritising work effectively in an operational laboratory environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Control Chemist
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Smart4Sciences. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Smart4Sciences to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Smart4Sciences, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Smart4Sciences and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Control Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Smart4Sciences. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smart4Sciences
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Smart4Sciences and the Quality Control Chemist role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
