ABBOTT LABORATORIES Assistant Chemist 1 - Altavista, VA Plant (3rd Shift) Salary in the United States

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Primary Function / Primary Goals / Objectives:

The primary functions of this position are performance of analytical testing on raw ingredients, in-process and finished product, and plant utilities.  This also includes testing for release of product to manufacturing for further processing, filling, and finishing.   Assistant Chemist I is a training position for the Analytical Laboratory.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the quality system.
• Conducts raw ingredient analysis including:  Protein Analysis, Chloride Analysis for Specified Minerals, simple titrations, organoleptic testing, etc.
• Conducts in-process and finished product testing including:  Vitamins, Protein, Minerals, Fat, Total Solids, Iodide, Chloride, Vitamin C, Free Choline, Amino Acids, Acek/Sucralose, Fatty Acids, etc.
• Conducts pH adjustments and prepares/sterilizes/evaluates test and check cans where needed.  Performs calculations for Potassium Hydroxide, Citric acid, Final Water additions, and physical stability testing such as pH, Viscosity, Grain, Color, and Sensory Evaluations.
• Responsible for performing assays in strict accordance with required methods and assuring test results meet specification limits.  As required, data must be entered into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).  Testing must be coordinated with processing stages and filing requirements to ensure minimum downtime is incurred during processing and filling operations.  Responsibilities include batch corrections, optimizations, setting batch yields, and releasing product to the filling lines.
• Conduct special testing required under Deviation, any testing under certification or validation protocols, and assists with investigations of testing issues as required under the Retest Policy.
• Observes all safety rules and regulations.  Reports incidents, near misses, and chemical spills in the proper manner to teamleader and/or supervisor.  Wears all required personal protective equipment, participates in the Environmental Health and Safety Programs, and forwards any opportunities for improvement.
• Completes project work as assigned by supervision and management.  This may include troubleshooting, maintenance of analytical equipment or test methods, maintaining related documentation, and coordinating efforts with Vendors/Plant/Division personnel.
• Responsible for maintaining an adequate inventory of all supplies related to the analytical laboratory.
• Other responsibilities include:  conducting control sample analysis to confirm validity of testing methods, Clean in Place (CIP) Residual testing, testing of compressed gases, daily flavor and aroma of oils and weekly peroxide testing of oils, completion of associated documentation, and housekeeping responsibilities.  As required, completes Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Quarterly standardization, maintenance, system suitability and testing.

Education:

High school diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 year of college chemistry with appropriate labs.

Background:

Ability to follow verbal instructions, recognize signs, follow written directions, prepare simple reports, read and record gauge and display readings and use their knowledge of chemistry acquired through formal education with moderate assistance from supervisor.  Mathematics knowledge would include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, proportions, and basic keyboard skills, computer skills and statistical comprehension is desirable.  Physical requirements for lifting and pushing 20-25 lbs. in addition to normal laboratory work.

The ability to effectively communicate with other analysts, operators, and management with varying levels of education and experience.  Also recognizing the sometimes conflicting roles of manufacturing and quality assurance, and the ability to maintain clear priorities, and stay in compliance at all times.

New analyst must be able to effectively train on all procedures and methods in the laboratories.  This position requires a high level of flexibility, adaptability and personal accountability due to the type and timing of the work involved.

Accountability / Scope/Budget:

An Assistant Chemist I has full responsibility for their work.  The data generated is reviewed and audited by the supervisors for documentation errors.

This position requires a high level of attention to detail, correct following of lab procedures to ensure the proper functionality of lab equipment, and completing related documentation.  Errors in any of these areas could result in a possible release to market with an out-of-specification analyte potentially resulting in a product recall or possible serious health risk if not detected.  If detected, additional testing and scrutiny could also occur, possibly resulting in a delay of the batch to market or possible batch destruct, adding substantial costs to the manufacture of the product.

This position is also accountable for following lab procedures safely and efficiently.

This position is accountable for complying with applicable FDA (GMP), USDA, OSHA and Abbott regulations, policies, procedures or guidelines.