Analytical Scientist II

Analytical Scientist II

For over 80 years, LECO has been a leader in the development and production of world class laboratory instruments delivering state of the art products nationwide and across the globe. Located in St. Joseph, Michigan, LECO continues to be a family-owned company that understands the value of shared interests, long-term stability, loyalty, and trust.

For nearly 30 years LECO has been a leader in the development and production of world class Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometers, both low- and high-resolution, and more than 20 years in the development and production of GCxGC instruments including marketing leading high performance thermal modulation systems.

Schedule:

8:00am to 5:00pm (Monday-Friday)

Position Summary:

Employees with the title Analytical Scientist II are members of the Analytical Group in LECO’s Research and Development Department. They work independently or as members of inter-disciplinary teams tasked with the development of new chemical analyzers and other products.

They are primarily responsible for the operation, maintenance, and validation of chemical analyzers to ensure that they meet or exceed design specifications and requirements.

They can lead inter-disciplinary teams or projects under the direction of a more senior Analytical Group member or R&D Staff.

This position is specifically in the area of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, GCxGC.

Position Description:

• Develop GCxGC instrumentation including hardware and software
• Work as a member of a GCxGC product development team
• Assist in the design and development of GCxGC products
• Assist in testing of proof-of-concept and prototype instruments
• Assist and train other groups including Applications and Production Test Departments
• Attend conferences to present on and learn of state-of-the-art GCxGC instrumentation and software

Position Responsibilities:

An Analytical Scientist II is expected to perform the following responsibilities with minimal supervision:

• Work safely in a laboratory environment
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace
• Follow procedures and instructions
• Prepare samples for analysis
• Operate and maintain analytical instruments
• Maintain organized records and logs
• Perform experiments, modify and refine experiments
• Review manuals and other technical publications
• Document experimental procedures and results
• Summarize and communicate experimental results
• Understand basic operating principles of analytical instruments
• Work as a member of a Product Development Team
• Assess instrument performance (comparison between instruments)
• Solve instrument problems using systematic problem-solving techniques
• Validate analytical calculations
• Modify/validate instrument sequences
• Create analytical documents: flow diagrams, flow charts, critical calculations, parts lists
• Approve manuals and other technical publications
• Write Test Procedures
• Design experiments
• Interface with other departments (Test, Service, TSL, etc.) effectively when needed
• Train other departments and personnel
• Develop and perform POC tests, Analytical tests, Test Procedures, etc.
• Submit Engineering Change Notices
• Support customers via Service, Trainers, or Product Managers
• Support other departments as needed
• Propose/design concepts for POCs and prototypes
• Propose design improvements
• Supervise junior scientists

Position Requirements:

• Work safely in a laboratory setting, handle chemicals
• Apply the scientific process (systematic experimentation, careful observation, thorough documentation, repetition)
• Organize observations and information with attention to detail
• Compile, summarize, and present results
• Organize information and data
• Maintain notebook
• Use math and compute basic statistics
• Work independently with limited guidance
• Self-motivated, focused
• Ask appropriate questions, seek advice when necessary
• Work in a cooperative team environment
• Accept criticism and consider advice
• Understand operating principles of LECO instrumentation
• Apply good analytical techniques for sample preparation and analysis
• Operate, maintain, and service chemical analyzers
• Basic computer programming (MATLAB, LECO XML)
• Perform background research

• Design experiments
• Solve problems
• Identify creative solutions
• Understands the LECO product development process
• Experience with LECO products and processes
• Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and reliability
• Demonstrate sound judgment, justify decisions
• Present information concisely
• Attend to detail, finish tasks
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Mentor others
• Communicate efficiently with others
• Interact easily and efficiently with others, adapt style as needed
• Collaborate with other disciplines and departments
• Encourage effective teamwork
• Delegate tasks
• Forecast projects and schedule tasks

Education/Certifications:

• PhD degree in analytical chemistry (or related field) or equivalent experience (minimum)
• Experience in analytical instrumentation testing or related field preferred

EOE M/F/Vet/Disability