Chief Chemist

The Chemical Laboratory Supervisor will lead the technical operations of the chemical laboratory, ensuring that all testing is accurate, reliable, and completed within agreed timelines. This role requires strict adherence to approved analytical methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and relevant regulatory and quality standards. The supervisor will manage daily workflows, oversee sample handling, validate analytical methods, and maintain quality assurance to support the laboratory’s operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Supervision: Plan and organize daily laboratory workflows by assessing staff competence, sample urgency, and capacity. Ensure optimal throughput to meet turnaround times without compromising quality or safety.

Sample Handling & Traceability: Oversee the entire sample lifecycle, including receipt, logging, labeling, preservation, storage, preparation, analysis, and disposal. Verify sample integrity upon arrival and escalate any issues that may affect test validity.

Analytical Methods & Validation: Enforce compliance with standard test methods such as ASTM, ISO, APHA, and USEPA, alongside internal SOPs. Lead method verification, validation, and implementation for new parameters, maintaining thorough validation documentation.

Technical Review & Data Verification: Audit raw data, instrument outputs, calibration curves, and calculations for accuracy and traceability. Investigate any anomalous or out-of-specification results before authorizing report release.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC): Implement quality control measures including blanks, spikes, duplicates, certified reference materials, and control charts. Ensure data integrity by releasing results only when all QC criteria are met.

Equipment & Instrument Management: Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration, and daily verification of laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers, chromatographs, titrators, and balances. Manage out-of-service protocols for malfunctioning or uncalibrated equipment.

Chemical, Reagent & Reference Standard Management: Supervise preparation, standardization, labeling, storage, and shelf-life tracking of reagents and standards. Monitor stock levels and prepare technical specifications for procurement of high-purity chemicals.

Quality System Compliance (ISO/IEC 17025): Maintain technical compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and internal quality management systems. Ensure all technical records, equipment logs, and SOPs are complete, current, and audit-ready.

Nonconforming Work & Corrective Action (CAPA): Conduct root cause analysis for procedural errors, deviations, or equipment failures. Collaborate with management to implement corrective and preventive actions.

Staff Training, Mentorship & Competency: Train and mentor analysts and support staff on technical procedures and safety protocols. Conduct competency assessments and recommend formal test authorizations.

Audits & Proficiency Testing (PT): Represent the laboratory during internal audits, client evaluations, and external accreditation assessments. Coordinate proficiency testing programs and resolve any unsatisfactory results.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE): Enforce PPE compliance, chemical safety practices, and safety data sheet guidelines. Manage hazardous waste disposal and respond to spills or safety incidents.

Technical Coordination & Client Communications: Liaise with sampling and customer care teams regarding sample requirements and turnaround expectations. Provide technical interpretations strictly within the laboratory’s accredited scope.

Performance Monitoring & Capacity Planning: Track key performance indicators such as sample backlog, repeat analyses, and instrument downtime. Provide operational updates and improvement recommendations to management.

Confidentiality, Impartiality & Professional Integrity: Safeguard client data and proprietary information. Maintain ethical standards by reporting any pressures that could compromise analytical integrity.

Additional Duties: Perform other technical and administrative tasks as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in chemical testing laboratories, including supervisory or team leadership roles.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in instrumental chemical analysis, QA/QC protocols, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Competencies: Strong leadership abilities, root cause analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, clear communication skills, and adherence to safe laboratory practices.

Work Location: This position requires in-person attendance at the laboratory facility.