Analytical Laboratory Analyst in Reading, Pennsylvania at Custom Processing Services Inc.

Summary:

The Analytical Laboratory Analyst is responsible for conducting routine and advanced quantitative analysis while ensuring strict compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. Reporting to the Business Unit Manager, the Laboratory Analyst plays a critical role in producing accurate, reliable results, managing sample workflows, and contributing to the lab’s overall success. Operating in a lean small-lab environment, this role is ideal for a self-motivated, technically precise analyst who is ready to step up into an autonomous position. While maintaining day-to-day instrument workflows, the successful candidate will receive direct training to assist with, and eventually lead, analytical method development, validation, and advanced instrumentation troubleshooting across all laboratory platforms.

Accountable Functions and Responsibilities:

• The lab analyst must uphold strict confidentiality concerning all laboratory operations, analytical data, client information, and proprietary methods. Adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 confidentiality requirements is mandatory, and any breach may result in disciplinary action.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and data logging in strict accordance with ISO-IEC 17025:2017 standards.
• Participate in internal quality audits and contribute proactively to the root-cause investigation and resolution of non-conformance issues.
• Efficiently run routine and advanced quantitative testing across all laboratory platforms, including HPLC, LC-QQQ/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS.
• Execute precise sample preparation, extraction, and digestion protocols tailored to specific organic and inorganic matrices.
• Perform accurate target analyte dilutions, internal standard additions, and multi-point calibration standards appropriate for each analytical technique.
• Interpret data sets and perform first-line quality control reviews to identify calibration drift, matrix interferences, or out-of-specification (OOS) results.
• Own the daily care, routine troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of all analytical hardware to maximize instrument uptime and sensitivity.
• Under the initial guidance and supervision of the Business Unit Manager, perform development, modification, verification, and validation of analytical methods to meet client and regulatory requirements.
• Optimize existing testing methodologies to improve sample throughput, efficiency, and analytical accuracy.
• Submit completed analyses, validation packages, and interpreted results to the Business Unit Manager for final review and approval.
• Manage laboratory logistics, including requisitioning chemical standards, gases, reagents, and necessary laboratory supplies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related core scientific discipline with 5+ years of hands-on analytical laboratory experience. OR an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of extensive, hands-on analytical laboratory experience.
• Active operational and extensive routine troubleshooting experience with at least two of the major laboratory platforms (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-QQQ/MS, or ICP-MS).
• High level of self-reliance and the ability to work self-supervised in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong analytical problem-solving abilities, forward-thinking flexibility, and an explicit, proven drive to learn advanced method development.

Location:

• High security analytical laboratory located in a food grade facility in Reading, PA

Work Environment (estimated averages):

• Office (10%)
• Laboratory (90%)
• Ability to stand for extended periods and handle light to moderate lifting up to 50 lbs associated with reagents, gas cylinders, and laboratory waste.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement potential within the CPS Analytical Laboratory and CPS Quality areas as method development capabilities increase.

Travel Requirements:

Typically not required, but may occasionally be required to travel to customer or vendor sites for business support or problem resolution.