Lab Chemist Manager POST NUMBER: 419056

Position Summary:

The Formulation Scientist is responsible for the development, optimization, and maintenance of materials including powder, liquid, and gel products. This role involves ensuring scientific accuracy, safety, and compliance with industry standards, managing laboratory operations, and overseeing the performance of scientific staff. Key duties include formulating new products, validating test methods, coordinating with Sales and Marketing, and maintaining high standards of documentation and quality control.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulation and Development:

  • Develop and optimize formulations for powders, liquids, and gels to meet project goals and deadlines.
  • Reformulate existing products to enhance functionality and stability.
  • Conduct studies on product stability and make adjustments as needed.

• Documentation and Reporting:

  • Write and/or review procedures and specifications for quality and product development.
  • Document test results, set specifications, and direct scale-up activities.
  • Prepare and analyze monthly reports on product development, quality issues, and trends.

• Quality Assurance:

  • Develop and validate test methods for product development and quality assurance.
  • Provide analytical support using FTIR, GC, and other relevant techniques.
  • Track and resolve quality issues related to raw materials and finished products.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Work with Sales and Marketing to outline projects, set timelines, and develop new formulas.
  • Communicate project status, results, and formulation information to relevant stakeholders.
  • Interact with customers and field service reps to address and resolve product-related issues.

• Laboratory Management:

  • Oversee daily laboratory operations, maintain equipment calibration, and ensure cleanliness.
  • Maintain and manage laboratory records, including test data and quality documents.
  • Develop manufacturing instructions and transfer processes into commercial manufacturing.
  • Train and supervise laboratory technicians, ensuring adherence to required procedures.

• Research and Development:

  • Conduct intellectual searches for technical information and stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.
  • Evaluate new and alternative raw materials for functionality and stability.
  • Design experimental studies to resolve technical issues and support product development.

• Special Projects and Backup Responsibilities:

  • Perform special projects and additional tasks as assigned by the Lab Manager.
  • Serve as a backup for Lab Manager in SAP-related duties and other management tasks.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in an R&D environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with analytical procedures and equipment such as ICP, FTIR, GC, HPLC, UV/Vis, and MS.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, and creativity.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Experience with SAP transactions for production and development activities is a plus.

Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco’s HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.