Position Detail

Open Position: Junior Quality Control Chemist

  • Durham, NC
  • Quality Control
  • Quality Control Supervisor
  • 01/30/2008

Purpose:

To conduct raw material testing, release testing to ensure bulk products and finished goods manufactured at Burt’s Bees, Inc. meet product quality specifications, and production stability testing. To work with Production Department personnel in efficiently attaining the correct bulk product color attributes and physical specifications. To work with the Compounding Department and the Research & Development Department in establishing meaningful bulk product release specifications. To work with QC Lab supervisor and other staff to determine test methods and Finished Good specifications.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Test raw materials and components following cGMPs and cGLPs.
  • Test bulk received from Compounding Department.
  • Perform tests on bulk, such as percent water, percent solids, viscosity, pH melting points, etc.
    a. Compare results to standards.
    b. Share information and results of analysis with the Quality Control Supervisor, and chemists from the Research & Development Department.
  • Execute stability protocol(s) for production samples of new products and existing products.
  • Release all bulk products meeting quality specifications.
  • Report out-of-specification results to the QC Supervisor.
    a. Reject all non-conforming products.
    b. Document reasons for rejection.
    c. Deliver documentation to QC Supervisor.
  • Evaluate the color shade of color cosmetic products to ascertain correct shade as per product release specifications.
  • Work with Compounding Department personnel and the Process Engineer to make corrective changes in order to ensure batches in kettles reach proper specifications.
  • Complete appropriate product documentation onto history cards.
    a. Compile data regarding bulk (i.e., percent of water, penetration, viscosity, etc.)
    b. Share information and results of analysis with the QC Supervisor.
  • Analyze statistics in order to troubleshoot problems with batches. Discuss results with Product Development Director, QC Supervisor, Compounding Manager, Process Engineer, and Materials Manager.
  • Rewrite and create new specifications for products where the instructions are incomplete, missing, or incorrect.
  • Ensure all laboratory equipment is in proper working order and maintain calibrations.
  • Research and recommend to Quality Control Supervisor new instrumentation and apparatus needed for improving laboratory testing capabilities.
  • Observe and comply with all applicable Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Maintain excellent team relationships.
  • Investigate problems with equipment, product, or raw materials and recommend remediation and preventive actions.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Recruitment Standards:

  • BA/BS Degree in Chemistry, Lab Science, Biology or related field required and two (2) years of related experience required OR AA/AS Degree in a related lab science filed required and five (5) years of related industry experience in a research, analytical or Quality Department laboratory required.
  • Color shade matching skills preferred.
  • Proficient computer skills in Word and Excel are required.
  • Demonstrated ability in analytical reasoning is required.
  • Demonstrated ability in operating industrial testing equipment, including a penetrometer, melting point apparatus, viscometer, pH meter, GC, HPLC, FTIR, Uv/Vis, etc. as needed.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in writing and speaking English is required.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills are required.

Essential Job Functions

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