Physical Characterization & Materials Analysis Scientist

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

Physical Characterization & Materials Analysis Scientist

Location(s)

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

Job Description

The Scientist II, Physical Characterization and Materials Analysis performs advanced physical and structural characterization of tobacco, nicotine, aerosol, and related product materials. The role applies microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and particle characterization techniques to support product development, analytical investigations, failure investigations, and regulatory studies.

Working under the direction of client subject matter experts, the scientist independently plans and executes studies, interprets complex data, and partners with chemistry, aerosol, toxicology, and product development teams to advance scientific and business objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform physical and structural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, and particle sizing techniques.
• Conduct aerosol physical characterization, including particle size distribution (PSD), nicotine deposition, PM 2.5, and particle number count measurements.
• Support aerosol collection activities and flex to support FTIR, thermal analysis, and SEM workloads across projects.
• Design and execute characterization studies that support product development and failure investigations.
• Interpret analytical data and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Support method development, validation, and technology transfer activities.
• Collaborate with chemistry, aerosol, toxicology, and product development teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and compliance with quality and safety requirements.
• 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 proficiency with SEM, FTIR, and thermal analysis instrumentation.
• Experience with particle sizing and aerosol physical characterization (PSD, nicotine deposition, PM 2.5, particle number count).
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and interpret characterization studies.
• Strong data interpretation skills with the ability to communicate complex results to technical and cross functional audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft products.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of laboratory experience with physical characterization techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience characterizing tobacco, nicotine, aerosol, or related consumer product materials.
• Experience supporting aerosol collection workflows.
• Experience authoring technical and regulatory documents.
• Experience working in a regulated or ICH compliant laboratory environment.

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.

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $80,000 to $92,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

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.