First Priority, Inc. is the animal health industry's premier manufacturer and supplier of generic pharmaceutical products located in Elgin, IL. We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Pharmaceutical QC Chemist to join our team. The QC Chemist will play a crucial role in ensuring our organization runs lab operations efficiently and smoothly meeting our customers expectations. 

This position will work a Tuesday through Friday 10 hour shift schedule. 

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Analyze raw materials, finished products, and stability samples by HPLC and other specialized testing methodologies. Provide support to other QC lab personnel as required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Test raw materials, finished products, stability samples by HPLC and other specialized testing methodologies (including proper documentation of all test results).
• Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, standards or reagents for lab use.
• Use of general lab instrumentation such as pipettes, burettes, balances, pH meters etc. 
• Test samples supporting process validations and cleaning validations (including proper documentation of all test results).
• Provide support for the complete testing of raw material/vendor qualification.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis to ensure products meet quality standards set by regulatory bodies and company standards.
• Utilize scientific knowledge and techniques to accurately perform testing.
• Follow established procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy of results.
• Troubleshoot and report any issues with testing results.
• Document and maintain accurate records of all testing.
• Communicate effectively to provide updates on the status of testing.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and quality regulations.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory workspace.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas to improve quality and efficiency.
• Maintain and qualify reference standards.
• Procure lab supplies, chemicals, glassware and equipment.
• Follow proper health and safety guidelines (i.e. PPE, safety regulations, etc.).
• Adhere to company policies and procedures at all times.
• Perform other duties and special assignments as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum BS degree in Chemistry or related field
• 0-3 years’ experience in a QC lab setting. Preferably in pharmaceuticals but not required.
• Experience with HPLC analysis preferable but not required.
• Experience using empower software preferable but not required.
• Familiarity with USP/NF and other compendia preferable but not required.
• Experience in wet chemistry with some use of instruments

TRAINING:

On the job training:

• MSDS/Hazardous Awareness
• cGMP
• Training to conduct tests for the release of raw materials, stability samples and finished products
• IR spectrophotometer and UV/VIS spectrophotometer
• HPLC and other instruments and complete testing of raw materials as per compliance requirements
• Appropriate SOP’s per department requirements

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to multi-task running equipment and documenting data
• Perform mathematical calculations by hand or with software
• Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot problems
• Ability to follow directions to accurately perform test

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Lab environment involving chemicals, solvents, gasses, and glassware
• Laboratory bench work and documentation
• Working independently with minimal supervision
• Low to medium noise level
• Temperature controlled environment

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Computer to create or update forms and documents use in the lab
• Phone
• Fax machine
• Copy machine
• HPLC systems
• UV/VIS spectrophotometer
• IR spectrophotometer
• Dissolution apparatus
• Viscometer
• Conductivity/pH meter
• Karl Fisher
• TLC apparatus
• GC instrument
• Furnace, ovens, burners, etc.
• Balances
• pH meter
• Stir plates and hot plates
• Moistures meter
• Use of burettes for titrations
• Lab glassware such as flask, beaker, graduated cylinder
• Various other instruments and apparatus
• Appropriate  personnel protective equipment (when necessary)

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.