ABBOTT LABORATORIES Assistant Chemist III - 3rd Shift - Altavista VA Plant 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.

Follow your aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities, competitive salaries, great benefits, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match, and Cash profit sharing, all with a company providing the growth and strength to build your future. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

The Assistant Chemist III will perform analytical testing on in-process, finished product and plant utilities as prescribed in the various quality procedures, while ensuring specifications and quality standards are met. Test for release of product to manufacturing for further processing and packaging. Produce the highest quality results while operating within the constraints of the safety guidelines to meet the manufacturing schedule. Serve as the point of contact (POC) when an analytical lab supervisor is not available (designation does not include personnel issues). Maintain good laboratory and manufacturing practices; test according to laboratory methods; complete testing and move batches to next stages in production and finished product; provide timely feedback to supervisor and chemists on the next shift; develop and maintain positive relationships with chemists and operators from other departments that interact with the laboratory; evaluate and write batch corrections for product failing to meet quality requirements; recognize and report adverse product or testing trends; troubleshoot instrumentation; and periodically stand in as supervisor POC.

Major Responsibilities:

• Observe all safety rules and regulations. Report incidents, near-misses, and chemical spills in the proper manner to supervisor or manager. Wear all required personal protective equipment, participate in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, and forward any opportunities for improvement.
• Assist other chemists to troubleshoot and maintain analytical equipment and test methods.
• Train new chemists on all laboratory operations including methods, procedures, documentation, maintenance and safety, maintaining the effectiveness of the laboratory, and ensure their work and the work of the people they have trained follows plant, divisional, corporate, local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Perform assays in accordance with required methods; ensure test results meet specification limits and that appropriate quality actions are taken to achieve acceptable product status.
• Generate work orders, set batch yields, optimize and release product to the filling or dryer production department.
• Recognize and report method procedure problems and out-of-specification conditions.
• Identify and correct minor problems concerning test results and out-of-specification conditions; initiate investigations into root cause and quality concerns.
• Review procedures, methods, and work orders; recognize threats to product quality.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and internal/external policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
• Direct shift’s work temporarily when manager is not available.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent, plus 1 year of appropriate college science related studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, or calculus), or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Science-related Bachelor's degree preferred, with 1 year of appropriate college lab studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, or calculus).
• Minimum 5 years of laboratory experience at an Abbott Laboratories facility with High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience at an Abbott Laboratories facility with Bachelor’s Degree.
• Some knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, prepare simple reports, read and record gauge and display readings and use knowledge of chemistry acquired through formal education with moderate assistance from supervision.
• Mathematics knowledge to 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.
• Ability to communicate well with other chemists, operators, and management with varying levels of education and experience.