Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Lead - Chemical Insights Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Lead at UL Research Institutes Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI), based in our Research Triangle Park, NC facilities.

The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Lead independently designs and conducts laboratory analytical chemistry measurements to support Chemical Insights' mission of advancing human and environmental health. This role serves as the laboratory lead for analytical quality control of Chemical Insights' chemical libraries and works in close collaboration with the chemical library manager and other research staff to ensure chemical identity of these new chemical libraries. This role also serves as a collaborator on research projects by performing targeted analytical chemistry laboratory experiments, including the generation, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, and preparation of data summaries and written reports for analytical chemistry results. Using deep technical knowledge of analytical chemistry, this role will ensure experimental designs and all laboratory experiments and measurements are accurate and technically sound.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Chemical Insights team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI):

The Chemical Insights Research Institute contributes to the protection of public health and well-being by conducting scientific research. Our research and initiatives let people around the world know what chemicals are in the air we breathe and how they affect human health and the planet. We share our research and knowledge through information and application tools with leaders in the scientific, business, and policy communities to raise awareness of human health risks stemming from emerging technologies. To learn more, visit: chemicalinsights.org/

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Lead you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Serve as the lead for analytical quality control of the Chemical Insights' chemical libraries for high-throughput screening using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), working in direct collaboration with the Chemical Library Manager to ensure chemical libraries are fully described in terms of identity, purity, and concentration.
• Lead execution of targeted analytical chemistry measurements using LC-MS across many project areas, including but not limited to measurement of chemicals in in vitro high-throughput screening assays or to confirm findings from non-targeted analysis of environmentally-relevant samples.
• Assist with review of chemical structure to chemical identifier relationships for the chemical libraries.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations within the analytical chemistry laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and established protocols.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, order and stock supplies, track usage, and ensure adequate availability of materials needed for experiments.
• Calibrate instruments, troubleshoot technical issues, and perform routine maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Ensure laboratory safety and follow established safety protocols, maintain a clean and organized work environment, handle hazardous substances appropriately, and dispose of waste materials safely.
• Work with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and custom software tools to ensure analytical chemistry information connects to our data ecosystem.
• Serve as the lead for various laboratory instruments and equipment, including troubleshooting experimental and equipment-related issues, with a focus on a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy instrument for determination of constituents, purity, and concentration of chemical libraries.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists on-site to use and troubleshoot instrument(s) for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for targeted analytical chemistry applications.
• Collaborate with research staff to plan, design, and execute experiments at a range of different scales, from benchtop to screens of many samples.
• Support interdisciplinary projects through collaboration with research staff and other departments.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, procedures, and laboratory activities in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory technician staff as assigned, providing technical guidance and leadership.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development activities, attend workshops, seminars, or training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills.
• May lead and/or contribute to department or unit initiatives.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.
• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Strong technical expertise in analytical instrumentation, including NMR spectroscopy, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrated experience with wet chemistry techniques and sample preparation.
• Proficient in operation, calibration, and maintenance of NMR and LC-MS (QQQ) systems.
• Skilled in NMR data acquisition, spectral interpretation, and quantitative analysis for structural elucidation and purity assessment.
• Advanced knowledge of targeted LC-MS applications.
• Ability to assess analytical quality of chemical stocks and confirm chemical structure and identity.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety, best practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to support interdisciplinary analytical chemistry projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills with attention to detail.
• Effective collaborator with chemists, toxicologists, and informatics professionals.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field and minimum 8 years of directly related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree is preferred.
• Experience with wet chemistry techniques for sample preparation.
• Experience working with NMR and LC-MS (QQQ) instrumentation including operation, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Experience with NMR data acquisition software, spectral interpretation for structural elucidation, and quantitative NMR for purity and/or concentration determination.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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