Analytical Chemist

Analytical Chemist

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Department: Product & Application Development

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Product & Application Development (P&AD) Laboratory at Emery Oleochemicals is seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist to support research, development, and customer-facing technical support for fatty acids, specialty esters, and related oleochemical products. This role is hands-on and laboratory-intensive, requiring deep expertise in analytical techniques, method development, and problem-solving in a chemical manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in new product development, product performance troubleshooting, and analytical support for both internal stakeholders and external customers. This position requires strong technical ownership, independent execution, and regular collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, Sales, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced analytical testing in support of R&D, product development, and manufacturing for fatty acids, specialty esters, and related oleochemicals.
• Independently operate and interpret data from analytical instrumentation including GC-MS, HPLC, NMR, titration methods, and thermal analysis techniques.
• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods for routine analysis, trace impurity detection, and performance characterization.
• Lead analytical investigations to resolve product performance issues, nonconformances, and customer technical inquiries.
• Provide technical and analytical support for new product launches, scale-up activities, and formulation optimization.
• Interpret analytical data to understand structure-property relationships and their impact on product performance.
• Interface directly with internal teams (Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, Regulatory) and external customers to communicate results and technical recommendations.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, calibration/maintenance of analytical equipment, and compliance with internal quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to analytical methods, laboratory efficiency, and product understanding.

Required Technical Skills & Expertise

• Hands-on experience with GC-MS, HPLC, NMR, titration techniques, and thermal analysis.
• Strong background in analytical method development, validation, and trace analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex analytical and product performance challenges independently.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to translate analytical data into actionable conclusions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Technical Background

• Experience with ICP-OES method development in difficult matrices
• Familiarity with oleochemicals, fatty acids, esters, surfactants, or related specialty chemical products.
• Experience supporting chemical manufacturing or pilot-scale operations.
• Prior experience providing customer-facing technical or analytical support.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry strongly preferred.
• MS or PhD in Chemistry preferred.
• BS in Chemistry with 5-10 years of relevant industrial experience, or
• MS or PhD with 3-5 years of industrial or applied research experience.

Work Environment

• Laboratory-based role within a chemical manufacturing and R&D environment.
• Regular interaction with pilot plants, manufacturing teams, and commercial stakeholders.
• Requires adherence to laboratory safety practices and use of appropriate PPE.