Scientist, Mastication

Job Description Summary:

The Scientist, Mastication performs artificial saliva extraction studies and associated analytical activities that support the characterization of oral nicotine and smokeless tobacco products. As part of an End-to-End (E2E) Laboratory Modernization Program, this role supports product development, performance evaluations, and regulatory studies through chromatography-based methodologies.

The Scientist is responsible for preparing and analyzing masticated fractions and artificial saliva extracts to characterize nicotine and flavor constituents. Working closely with scientific teams, the role contributes to product performance studies, method validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. The level of responsibility, autonomy, and technical complexity will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform artificial saliva extraction studies and sample preparation activities supporting oral nicotine and smokeless tobacco products.
• Conduct analyses used to characterize nicotine and flavor constituents present in masticated fractions.
• Perform UPLC-based analyses for nicotine, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, vanillin, glycyrrhizin acid, and related compounds.
• Prepare standards, reagents, mobile phases, and analytical solutions required for chromatographic testing.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot UPLC instrumentation and associated laboratory equipment.
• Review chromatographic data and verify calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance with laboratory procedures and quality requirements.
• Support method validation, verification, and technology transfer activities.
• Investigate atypical results and participate in root cause analyses and corrective actions.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and records in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements and good documentation practices.
• Collaborate with scientific teams to support product characterization and constituent release studies.
• Maintain training and compliance in health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills:

• Knowledge of chromatography principles and constituent analysis methodologies.
• Experience with UPLC instrumentation and chromatographic data analysis.
• Strong sample preparation and analytical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Understanding of artificial saliva extraction studies and constituent release characterization.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality systems and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or related scientific discipline.
• OR Associate degree or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Relevant laboratory or sample processing experience commensurate with level (entry-level candidates through experienced scientists will be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and capable of physically active laboratory work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with UPLC instrumentation and chromatography data systems.
• Experience supporting nicotine and flavor constituent analyses.
• Experience with sample extraction and preparation techniques.
• Experience supporting method validation and technology transfer activities.
• Experience within ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP laboratories.
• Knowledge of tobacco, nicotine, or regulated consumer product testing.

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.