Associate Scientist Stability Testing & Study Support

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs.  With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title

Associate Scientist Stability Testing & Study Support

Location(s)

Altria (East Jackson St, Richmond) - Customer Site VA

Job Description

Associate Scientist, Stability Testing and Study Support performs laboratory activities supporting accelerated stability studies and analytical testing programs for tobacco and non-tobacco products. The role is responsible for sample preparation, study execution, laboratory coordination, data documentation, and inventory management while ensuring compliance with laboratory procedures, quality requirements, and project timelines.

The technician works closely with scientists and analytical chemistry teams to support ongoing stability assessments and product evaluation activities.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine testing activities, including sample preparation, instrumental analysis support, data review, and laboratory documentation.
• Execute testing to determine water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) of packaging materials.
• Support accelerated stability studies through sample preparation, stressing activities, and laboratory coordination.
• Collaborate with scientists to ensure timely receipt, tracking, and processing of study samples.
• Assist in the development and execution of sample stressing plans using ASAPprime software and established laboratory procedures.
• Create and maintain schedules outlining daily laboratory activities to support ongoing and upcoming stability studies.
• Prepare saturated salt solutions and maintain the environmental conditions required for stability testing.
• Label, weigh, prepare, and manage samples throughout the study lifecycle, including introducing and removing samples from designated stressing conditions.
• Set, verify, and monitor oven temperature and humidity conditions and maintain required environmental records.
• Manage laboratory inventory and supplies required to support accelerated stability testing activities.
• Coordinate with analytical chemistry teams regarding sample status, testing requirements, and delivery of study materials for analysis.
• Maintain accurate electronic records of laboratory activities, study progress, and testing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills:

• Hands-on experience preparing saturated salt solutions and maintaining controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
• Familiarity with accelerated stability testing and sample stressing workflows.
• Experience operating analytical balances, water activity meters, and general laboratory equipment.
• Accurate sample labeling, weighing, tracking, and lifecycle management.
• Organized laboratory scheduling and clear coordination with scientists and analytical chemistry teams.
• Diligent electronic recordkeeping and strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other Microsoft products.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline and 2 plus years or relevant work experience.
• Experience working with analytical balances, water activity meters, and general laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an analytical chemistry or product testing laboratory.
• Familiarity with accelerated stability testing methodologies.
• Experience using ASAPprime software from FreeThink Technologies.
• Experience supporting sample management, laboratory scheduling, and study coordination activities.

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.

PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.