Scientist, Physicals

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

Scientist, Physicals

Location(s)

Customer Site - VA

Job Description

Job Description Summary:

The Scientist, Physical Testing performs physical characterization and measurement activities for tobacco, nicotine, inhalable, and consumer products. As part of an End-to-End (E2E) Laboratory Modernization Program, this role supports product development, quality programs, and regulatory studies through the execution of standardized physical testing methodologies.

The Scientist is responsible for conducting analyses involving moisture, density, pH, particle size, dimensional measurements, resistance-to-draw, ventilation, and related physical properties. The role collaborates with scientific and quality teams to ensure analytical data are generated accurately and consistently while maintaining compliance with laboratory quality standards. The level of responsibility, autonomy, and technical complexity will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform physical characterization testing for tobacco, nicotine, and inhalable products using established laboratory procedures.
• Conduct analyses involving moisture content, water activity, density, pH, particle size, dimensional measurements, resistance-to-draw, and ventilation assessments.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized physical testing instrumentation and associated laboratory equipment.
• Perform measurements used to evaluate product dimensions, circumference, length, and tobacco weight characteristics.
• Review analytical data and verify calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance with quality requirements.
• Support method validation, equipment qualification, and technology transfer activities.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and assist with investigations involving atypical results and deviations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory efficiency and operational excellence.
• Maintain training and compliance in health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills:

• Knowledge of physical characterization methods and measurement techniques.
• Experience with pH, moisture, density, particle size, dimensional, and resistance-to-draw analyses.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent documentation and recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to operate and maintain specialized physical testing equipment.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• OR Associate degree or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Relevant physicals testing or analytical laboratory experience commensurate with level (entry-level candidates through experienced scientists will be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented in a production-paced laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing physical characterization of consumer products.
• Familiarity with particle size analysis and dimensional measurement systems.
• Experience with moisture analysis, water activity, and density determinations.
• Experience supporting method validation and equipment qualification activities.
• Experience within ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP environments.
• Knowledge of tobacco or nicotine product testing requirements.

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g