Lief Labs is a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements. Our in-house Product Development and R&D team create the best-tasting and most cutting-edge formulations of supplements. Lief also houses a state-of-the-art, full-service Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing facility, which offers custom solutions for a multitude of supplement categories. Lief collaborates with entrepreneurial firms to help them build premier brands. Our turnkey solutions allow us to engage in seamless partnerships that help brands with scalability and sustainable growth. Lief Labs is located in the Santa Clarita Valley (Valencia, CA.) All roles are on-site Monday – Friday.

Summary

The Chemist I will perform routine and non-routine laboratory analyses to support product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance. This role involves working with a variety of analytical techniques and instrumentation to ensure the integrity and quality of our products. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and possesses a strong foundation in chemistry and laboratory practices and complies with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Laboratory Safety and any regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Analysis:
  • Conduct routine and non-routine chemical analyses of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using various analytical techniques.
  • Prepare and standardize reagents, solutions, and reference standards.
  • Perform stability testing and support method validation and transfer activities.
  • Perform analytical testing of all raw materials, in-process materials and finished products to ensure it meets the established specifications.
  • Monitor analytical testing from outside lab for all raw materials, in-process materials and finished products to ensure it meets the established specifications.
  • Monitor samples submitted to the quality control laboratory and ensure testing is conducted in a timely manner.
• Instrumentation & Equipment:
  • Operate and maintain laboratory instruments such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, and other analytical equipment.
  • Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve minor instrument and equipment issues.
  • Utilize all equipment as intended and maintain it as needed.
  • Perform lab maintenance activities as required.
  • Conduct regular equipment calibrations.
• Data Management:
  • Accurately document all laboratory activities and results in accordance with GMP/GLP and company standards.
  • Review and interpret analytical data, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Prepare detailed reports and summaries of findings for review and approval.
  • Must be able to follow USP-NF monographs, AOAC and other standards.
  • Accurately record all results/data as directed.
  • Support out-of-specification investigations and properly document out-of-specification results
• Quality Assurance:
  • Adhere to all safety and quality guidelines and procedures.
  • Participate in internal and external audits as required.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory operations and quality systems.
  • Comply with all standard operating procedures at all times.
  • Maintain a vigilant commitment to safety at all times.
  • Ensure all samples are properly disposed of and follow environmental regulations.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and management regarding project progress and findings.
  • Assist in the training of new laboratory personnel and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
  • Manage and prioritize multiple projects.
  • Provide regular updates to Quality Control Supervisor
  • Perform any other assignments as assigned by Quality Control Supervisor or designee.
  • Participate in quality internal and external audits and all required training.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in an analytical laboratory or related environment.
• Proficiency in the use of analytical techniques and instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR).
• Strong understanding of GMP/GLP regulations and laboratory best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Skills/ Abilities Problem Solving

• Self-starter with the ability to positively motivate others in a cooperative fashion.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Can thrive in an autonomous environment.
• Strong ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Able to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, as well as ability to work in a detail-oriented manner.
• Committed to safety and compliance with lab procedures/guidelines and standard operating procedures.

Work Environment

The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted, and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.

Exposed to various raw materials, including allergens (i.e. milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanuts, wheat, soy).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly require to talk, hear and grasp items. This position is active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day.

The employee must frequently grasp, lift and/or move and carry items up to 10-50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information
The Salary Range for this position at Lief Labs is $30-37/hour (USD). Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, skills, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, wellness benefits, education reimbursement program, and PTO. This position is bonus eligible.

Lief is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact the Lief Human Resources department.