Chemist, Quality Control
The Chemist, Quality Control role at Confidential Client is responsible for performing chemical and physical analytical testing to ensure the quality and compliance of raw materials, APIs, in-process materials, finished products, and stability samples within an FDA-regulated laboratory. The position involves operating various analytical instruments, conducting investigations, troubleshooting, and supporting cGMP and regulatory compliance. Career progression ranges from entry-level testing to senior technical leadership, including method validation and mentoring within the QC organization.
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, nutraceuticals & regulated manufacturing (dietary supplements, food, OTC, pharmaceutical).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Chemist, Quality Control (Chemist QC I/II/III) to join a cGMP-regulated analytical laboratory in North Brunswick, NJ. This role performs chemical and physical testing, supports laboratory investigations, documents analytical results, and helps ensure product identity, strength, purity, and quality. Work includes operation and troubleshooting of HPLC/UPLC, GC, ICP-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, titrators, dissolution apparatus, Karl Fischer, and other QC equipment.
- Pay: $25–30 per hour
- Employment type: Full time
- Location: North Brunswick, New Jersey (on-site)
Key Responsibilities
Chemist, QC I (Entry-level)
- Perform routine sampling and chemical/physical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and stability samples per approved procedures.
- Operate laboratory instruments under supervision (HPLC/UPLC, GC, IR/FTIR, UV-Vis, Auto Titrator, Dissolution, Karl Fischer, potentiometer, bulk density).
- Prepare reagents, standards, solutions, and samples.
- Accurately record test data and maintain GMP-compliant documentation.
- Support basic troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and calibration activities.
- Maintain lab housekeeping, safety, and waste compliance.
- Typical split: ~95% analytical testing, ~5% documentation.
Chemist, QC II (Intermediate)
- All Chemist QC I responsibilities plus increased independence and technical ownership.
- Independently perform complex analytical testing and investigate atypical or out-of-specification (OOS) results.
- Troubleshoot instruments and methods; analyze data to support root-cause and corrective actions.
- Review analytical data and prepare technical documentation, SOPs, and protocols.
- Support continuous improvement and provide guidance to QC I staff.
Chemist, QC III (Senior)
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for analytical methods and instrumentation.
- Lead complex investigations (OOS, deviations, customer complaints) and recommend corrective actions.
- Support method validation/verification/transfer and provide technical approval of analytical data.
- Mentor and train QC team members; drive process improvements and support audits/inspections.
- Liaise with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and R&D on cross-functional projects.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline required.
- Chemist, QC I: 0–2 years laboratory experience (academic experience acceptable).
- Chemist, QC II: 2–5 years QC laboratory experience; experience in dietary supplements, food, OTC, or pharmaceutical/regulatory manufacturing preferred.
- Chemist, QC III: 5+ years progressive QC experience with demonstrated technical expertise in analytical testing, troubleshooting, and investigations.
- Familiarity with cGMP and Good Documentation Practices; QC II/III should have a strong understanding of 21 CFR Part 11.
- Basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills required; experience with chromatography software preferred.
Preferred Technical Experience
- Hands-on experience with Shimadzu LC2010 / Nexera, GC2010, Thermo ICP-MS.
- Experience with LabSolutions, Waters Empower, or other chromatography/data systems.
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (dietary supplements, food, OTC, pharmaceutical).
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Approximately 80–100% of work performed in a laboratory environment.
- Frequent bench-level activities while standing or sitting; may require lifting up to 35 lbs.
- Must be able to wear required PPE (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, booties; respiratory protection when required).
- Exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, odors, dust, noise, and laboratory fumes; follow all safety procedures.
Benefits & Compensation
- $25–30 per hour (as posted)
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
- Short- and long-term disability and life insurance options
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time-off (new hires typically receive up to 10 days in year one)
- Opportunity for overtime, shift differential, and holiday pay depending on operations
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range