PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity.

The Validation and R&D Chemist is responsible for leading analytical method validation and transfer activities, as well as driving innovation through product development and formulation enhancements. This dual role supports quality compliance and research and development initiatives across personal care product lines.

Key Responsibility

Validation Focus

• Lead planning and execution of analytical method validation studies, including protocol design, data analysis, and documentation.
• Coordinate method transfer activities between R&D and Quality Control laboratories to ensure seamless implementation and regulatory compliance.
• Author method validation protocols, reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee calibration and qualification of laboratory instruments such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, and FTIR.
• Manage stability testing programs and troubleshoot analytical challenges.
• Maintain thorough records of all validation and R&D activities, ensuring complete traceability and transparency throughout each project.
• Assist in the development and implementation of corrective actions based on analytical findings and process observations.
• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement in laboratory practices to maintain the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
• Train Quality Control chemists on new or revised methods.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

R&D Focus

• Design and execute experiments for new product development and reformulation.
• Create and update process guidelines to support effective scale-up.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance, Operations, Sales, and Regulatory departments.
• Manage projects to ensure timely delivery of results.
• Communicate effectively with team members, senior management, and customers to ensure alignment and transparency in R&D initiatives.
• Monitor laboratory inventory levels and coordinate the ordering of necessary reagents and supplies for ongoing projects.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workflow efficiency and data accuracy.
• Provide technical support for troubleshooting and resolving complex challenges.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property and regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory updates, and advancements in analytical technologies.
• Document all experimental activities and results in accordance with good laboratory practices.
• Promote a culture of safety, innovation, and teamwork within the laboratory.

Qualifications

The requirements outlined below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, including whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages, as well as to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with MS Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of HR laws.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education Requirements

• Requires 5-7 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree in science discipline or equivalent, and/or relevant training or a combination of education and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits.
• Company paid Life and Short-Term disability.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance.
• 401k & company provided match.
• Paid Time Off
• Bonus incentive programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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