About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

Confidential Client is seeking an Associate Scientist (Manufacturing Quality) to join an onsite, third-shift laboratory team in Richmond, VA. This entry-level role focuses on sample preparation, extraction, and digestion workflows that support chromatographic and mass-spectrometric testing programs. The role works closely with analytical groups to ensure consistent, quality-compliant sample prep under direct supervision while building technical proficiency.

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Shift & Location

This is an onsite position in Richmond, VA. Standard shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (non-rotating, third shift). Weekend overtime may be required based on business needs.

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What You’ll Do

• Perform sample extraction, digestion, and preparation to support GC, GC‑MS, LC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS, and related analyses.
• Prepare samples for assays including nicotine, TSNAs, VOCs, carbonyls, aromatic amines, flavor additives, organic acids, and metals.
• Execute approved extraction methods and follow laboratory quality procedures.
• Prepare reagents, solvents, and consumables to support analytical workflows.
• Maintain sample traceability and chain-of-custody throughout processing.
• Collaborate with analytical scientists to ensure consistent sample prep throughput and quality.
• Support method validation, technology transfer, and continuous process improvements.
• Investigate extraction-related issues and participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation in line with ISO 17025 and data integrity requirements.
• Follow health, safety, environmental, and operational training and compliance requirements.

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Critical Skills

• Strong understanding of extraction and sample preparation methodologies.
• Familiarity with chromatography and mass spectrometry principles (GC, GC‑MS, LC‑MS/MS, UPLC, ICP‑MS).
• Ability to perform complex sample prep procedures accurately and consistently.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation and data integrity.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody and sample traceability practices.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 quality systems and regulated-lab compliance.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 0–2 years relevant laboratory experience, OR
• Associate degree or high school diploma with 2+ years relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work under close to direct supervision in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and able to follow detailed instructions and complete routine tasks.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with extraction and digestion procedures.
• Prior exposure to GC, GC‑MS, LC‑MS/MS, UPLC, or ICP‑MS workflows.
• Experience supporting nicotine, TSNAs, VOCs, carbonyls, aromatic amines, flavor additives, or metals analyses.
• Experience working in ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP environments.
• Experience supporting method validation and technology transfer.
• Knowledge of consumer product or inhalable product testing preferred.

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Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work performed in controlled laboratory environments requiring personal protective equipment (lab coat, safety glasses, etc.).
• Fast-paced setting with high task completion expectations.
• Ability to remain stationary >25% of the time and to move between labs, corridors, and rooms as needed.
• Frequent bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs (occasionally up to 50 lbs).
• Specific vision abilities required (close detail, color vision, depth perception, focus adjustment).
• Occasional computer and office machine use (calculator, copier, printer).
• Potential handling of hazardous waste per local, state, and federal regulations.
• Potential exposure to lab hazards (extreme temperatures, biological materials, hazardous chemicals).
• May require Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing for respirator use.

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Compensation

• Hourly pay range: $26.44/hr – $36.05/hr. Final base pay will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, and individual qualifications (experience, education, skills).

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.