Scientist, Special Projects

Job Description Summary:

The Scientist, Special Projects will coordinate and execute non-routine and ad hoc analytical testing projects within the insourced laboratory team as part of an End-to-End (E2E) Laboratory Modernization Program. This role supports project planning, method development, cross-functional coordination, and reporting within an ISO 17025 accredited analytical production laboratory at a client site. The level of responsibility, autonomy, and technical complexity will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute non-routine and ad hoc analytical testing projects in support of product development, regulatory submissions, and process improvement initiatives.
• Perform sample preparation, analytical testing, data analysis, and reporting across multiple project workstreams.
• Develop and document project-specific methods, protocols, and standard operating procedures as experience permits.
• Manage or support project timelines, resource allocation, and deliverables across laboratory workstreams.
• Serve as a liaison or supporting contributor between laboratory operations, client stakeholders, and quality teams.
• Analyze and compile project results; prepare reports and presentations for client review.
• Ensure all project activities comply with ISO 17025 and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements and operational efficiencies within project scope.
• Mentor and train less experienced staff as appropriate to level.
• Contribute to the transition from a staffing model to a Managed Service model by identifying efficiency and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.

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

Critical Skills:

• Project coordination and organizational skills including timeline and deliverable management.
• Analytical testing and method development expertise appropriate to level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or related scientific discipline.
• OR Associate degree with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Relevant 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 tasks across shifting priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project management experience in an analytical or regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience working within an ISO 17025-accredited or GLP-compliant laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with smoke/aerosol chemistry, consumer product analytical testing, or regulated product testing.
• Proficiency with LIMS and electronic data management systems.

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.