Scientist, Prep

Job Description Summary:

The Scientist, Sample Preparation is responsible for performing sample receipt, preparation, digestion, and related support activities that enable analytical testing across multiple laboratory disciplines. As part of an End-to-End (E2E) Laboratory Modernization Program, this role supports chromatographic, elemental, aerosol, and physical testing laboratories by ensuring samples are processed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures and quality requirements.

The Scientist works closely with analytical teams supporting tobacco, nicotine, inhalable, and consumer product testing programs and plays an essential role in maintaining sample integrity, traceability, and data quality. The level of responsibility, autonomy, and technical complexity will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

• Receive, log, and prepare samples for analytical testing in accordance with established procedures and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Perform sample preparation and digestion activities supporting inhalable products, tobacco products, and elemental analyses.
• Prepare reagents and consumables required for downstream analytical workflows.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and traceability of samples throughout the testing process.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and records in accordance with good documentation practices and quality requirements.
• Support analytical groups across multiple testing programs by ensuring timely and accurate preparation of samples.
• Investigate sample preparation issues and support root cause analyses when required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities that enhance laboratory efficiency and standardization.
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced personnel, as appropriate to level.
• 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:

• Strong understanding of sample handling, preparation, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Experience performing weighing, digestion, and sample preparation procedures.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic documentation systems.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 quality requirements.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple analytical groups.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• OR Associate degree or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Relevant sample preparation or analytical laboratory 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 managing a high-throughput sample preparation workflow.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing sample preparation and digestion procedures supporting analytical testing.
• Familiarity with laboratory workflows supporting chromatography and elemental analyses.
• Experience working with LIMS and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Experience supporting regulated laboratory environments.
• Experience with ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP quality systems.
• Knowledge of tobacco, nicotine, inhalable, or 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