Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Production Scientist I, Organic Synthesis Chemist is an introductory manufacturing laboratory position focused on small to medium scale production.  All work is conducted with an emphasis on safety and within the guidelines and requirements of ISO-regulated/lean manufacturing environment.  This position requires working efficiently and effectively to achieve goals relative to safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The Production Scientist I, Organic Synthesis Chemist position will perform chemical syntheses under the guidance of more senior personnel.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Accurately performs manufacturing production tasks while adhering to all relevant work instructions (manufacturing records, standard work instructions, SOPs, etc.).
• Maintains detailed documentation to support ISO and Class A production requirements while maintaining a safe working environment at all times.
• Supports both small and medium scale organic synthesis production. Responsible for production of small molecule crosslinkers, biotinylation reagents, resins and other compounds ranging from mg to Kg scales.
• Utilizes a range of equipment to support chemical production such as analytical balances, round bottom flasks (up to 72L), glass reactors (up to 100L), column chromatography columns, vacuum drying ovens, rotary evaporators, etc.
• Flexes to support large scale production operations as required.
• Performs analysis of compounds and reaction mixtures with assistance using common chemical analytical methods such as NMR, TLC, FTIR, UV/Vis and HPLC.
• Updates production planning board and maintains department metrics as assigned.
• Performs daily cleaning and organization of the lab including sweeping, mopping and waste disposal.
• Participates in all safety training and wears appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including a respirator, as needed.
• Performs ERP transactions and peer reviews.
• Processes lab-related wastes, some of which may be hazardous.
• Participates in 5S initiatives maintaining areas as assigned.
• Performs equipment maintenance tasks as assigned in PMC.
• Drives Practical Process Improvement initiatives through project initiation, participation, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures and maintains a safe working environment at all times.
• Completes daily safety checkdowns and actively mitigates concerns.
• Submission of PRs and Document Change Orders (DCOs) to deviate and update manufacturing protocols as required.
• Serves a supporting role on New Product Introduction (NPI) teams.
• Performs Root Cause Counter Measure (RCCM) investigations owning preventative actions.
• Complete other projects or duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelors of Science degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or other Life Science emphasis with strong mechanical aptitude.
• Demonstrated general hands-on lab skills as would be acquired in a 4-year Bachelors-level science degree.
• Understands safe lab practices and GLP concepts.
• Understands molar theory and algebraic math skills to perform common laboratory job functions.
• Able to think analytically and understand experimental design when explained.
• Experience with independent undergraduate and/or graduate research is a plus.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced laboratory production environment.
• Safety-focused with willingness to handle hazardous chemicals while wearing applicable PPE.
• Self-starter, motivated learner.
• Team-oriented mindset with ability to adapt to a fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to routinely lift 50-60 pounds required to load mixing crocks, handle large-scale solids transfers, set-up of industrial scale production apparatus, and use of moderately heavy equipment (e.g. gas cylinders, filled carboys, and transfer carts), for example. Ability to stand on feet for extended periods, of greater than 6 hours daily.
• Associates in this position may as part of their job activities generate or manage hazardous waste as defined by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.  Individuals in this position are required to receive initial hazardous waste training within the first 30 working days of assignment.  The initial waste training shall include but not be limited to the following general categories: 
  • Identifying hazardous and solid waste, hazardous waste management, recycling, treatment and disposal, emergency preparedness, record keeping, pollution prevention and waste reduction. 
  • Following initial training the Associate in this position will receive annual refresher training in the same topic field as listed above.

This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance.

Compensation and Benefits

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards