Job posting: Senior Quality Engineer, Thin Films, EMD Electronics, Tamaqua, PA

From the inbox, this position: 

Your Role: The Senior Quality Engineer, Thin Films will work to ensure excellence with thin films materials for major semiconductor customers globally. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to resolve technology issues, investigating root causes, and implementing preventive actions for world-class quality. As the voice of the customer, you will support the Site Quality Manager in enhancing quality performance and driving continuous improvement through process control tools and automation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead teams in the execution and quality of thin films materials to major semiconductor customers globally
• Lead cross-functional teams in resolving technology issues

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, or other Technical discipline with 5+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, process engineering, control engineering, analytical chemist, or semiconductor fabrication experience
• OR, Master’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, or other Technical discipline with 3+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, process engineering, control engineering, analytical chemist, or semiconductor fabrication experience

Full ad here. Best wishes to those interested. 

CSB: "U.S. Chemical Safety Board Opens Investigation into Fatal Incident at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works Plant in Pennsylvania"

Via the Chemical Safety Board:  

Washington D.C. August 12, 2025 – The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is sending a team to investigate the fatal explosions and fires at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, that occurred on August 11. Two people were fatally injured, and at least ten others were injured and sent to area hospitals for medical treatment.

CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, “The CSB will work to determine the cause of this tragic incident and identify actions that can be taken to help ensure that a similar disaster like this does not happen again.”

The Clairton Coke Works facility processes raw coal into coke, which is then used as a primary component in steelmaking. The massive, 392-acre facility is located about 15 miles outside of Pittsburgh and is considered the largest coking facility in North America. Nearly 1,300 employees report to the facility daily.

I admire the CSB in continuing in its mission as it is threatened with budget cuts. Full release here. 

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 80 research/teaching positions and 7 teaching positions

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List has 80 research/teaching positions and 7 teaching positions. 

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

On August 13, 2024, the 2025 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 105 research/teaching positions and 7 teaching positions. On August 15, 2023, the 2024 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 104 research/teaching positions and 4 teaching positions. To see long-term trending, go to Andrew Spaeth's visualization of previous years' list. 

Want to talk anonymously? Have an update on the status of a job search? Here's a link to the first open thread. 

Don't forget to click on "load more" below the comment box for the full thread. 

Are you having problems accessing the Google Sheet because of a Google Documents error? Email me at chemjobber@gmail.com and I will send you an Excel download of the latest sheet.

The Chemical Engineering Faculty Jobs List: 3 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions

The Chemical Engineering Faculty Jobs List (by Arvind Ganesan and Todd N. Whittaker) has 3 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions. 

This is the first post of the series, so it will serve as the open thread for the year. 

Have a great weekend

This was an up-and-down week, but we're keeping on. I hope that you have a great weekend. See you on Monday. 

Job posting: Cosmetic/OTC Skincare Formulation Lab Chemist, Spa De Soleil, Sun Valley, CA

Via ACS Chemistry Careers, this position:  

Description: We are a leading private label manufacturer with over 30 years of experience in the skincare and personal care industry, seeking a Cosmetic/OTC Skincare Formulation Chemist to join our Research & Development team. This position is ideal for a chemist with proven experience in custom skincare and OTC product development within a GMP-regulated laboratory environment. Experience with color cosmetics, OTC treatments, hair care, and baby care is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and formulate custom skincare, cosmetic, and OTC products, including moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, acne treatments, medicated shampoos, baby care, and hair care items.
• Ensure all formulations are compliant with FDA OTC Monographs, GMP standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines (21 CFR, ISO, etc.).
• Conduct stability and compatibility testing; oversee scale-ups from lab to production.
• Maintain precise and up-to-date formulation records, batch sheets, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including QA/QC, production, sales, and regulatory to ensure product integrity and feasibility.
• Evaluate and source raw materials with a focus on INCI compliance, performance, and innovation.
• Provide technical support during client meetings and internal product development reviews.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges with creative, compliant solutions.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in a GMP-regulated lab formulating cosmetic, skincare, and OTC products.

Full ad here. Best wishes to those interested. 

C&EN: "Japanese chemical makers dodge US tariff bullet"

Via C&EN, this trade news (by Katsumori Matsuoka): 

The Japanese chemical industry is breathing a sigh of relief over new US tariffs set to take effect on Aug. 7. Analysts say the deal, which imposes a tariff of 15% on most Japanese goods, will leave the chemical and pharmaceutical industries largely unharmed, though regional sluggishness may surface in the case of plastics for the auto industry.

The tariff is a reduction from the 25% levy that US president Donald J. Trump had threatened to impose on Japan if the country didn’t strike a trade deal, though it is higher than the low-single-digit rate that previously applied to many products from Japan.

Mikiya Yamada, an analyst with Mizuho Securities’ equity research division, says the direct impact of the tariffs on chemical exports to the US will be “insignificant.” The number of chemical products, mainly specialty chemicals, that are exempt from the tariffs has reached approximately 500 items, he says. 

“Japanese products, including pharmaceuticals, have a high share that are exempt from taxation,” he says, and tariffs that do apply should be fairly easy to pass on to customers.

Moreover, Japanese companies that supply plastics and other chemicals to local automakers were preparing to cut prices to help their customers compensate for a 25% tariff, Yamada says. With a 15% tariff, those cuts won’t be as steep.

Definitely interesting to see how manufacturers were indeed prepared to eat some tariffs. Will be interesting to see how this all impacts supply chains. 

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 64 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List has 64 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions. 

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

On August 6, 2024, the 2025 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 84 research/teaching positions and five teaching positions. On August 8, 2023, the 2024 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 89 research/teaching positions and 4 teaching positions. To see long-term trending, go to Andrew Spaeth's visualization of previous years' list. 

Want to talk anonymously? Have an update on the status of a job search? Here's a link to the first open thread. 

Don't forget to click on "load more" below the comment box for the full thread. 

Are you having problems accessing the Google Sheet because of a Google Documents error? Email me at chemjobber@gmail.com and I will send you an Excel download of the latest sheet.

Job posting: Analytical Development, Principal Scientist I, Cambrex, East Rutherford, NJ

Via ACS Chemistry Careers: 

The Principal Scientist I will provide technical support for multiple project teams. This individual will evaluate and interpret analytical results, develop, validate and transfer analytical methods for APIs, API intermediates and raw materials. Strict compliance with cGMP guidelines is required to perform most job tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Safely and effectively develop, establish, and validate analytical testing methodologies used to control raw materials, production intermediates, and final products
• Actively participate in teams assembled to investigate and solve analytical technical issues within Analytical Development, Chemical Development, Process Support Group and Quality Control.
• Perform analytical chemistry assays based on new and existing methodologies
• Operate analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, Titrator, Particle Size Analyzer

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 6 years of experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 10 years of experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 14 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer processes to commercial scale manufacturing.  

Full ad here. Best wishes to those interested. 

Laura Loomer forces out CBER head Vinay Prasad

Via the New York Times: 

The Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine and gene therapy official resigned on Tuesday after a public campaign against him led by the right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, according to people familiar with the matter.

Over the past week, Ms. Loomer had taken to social media to attack the official, Dr. Vinay Prasad, for a series of decisions denying approval of new drugs for rare diseases. She highlighted past statements of support he had made for prominent figures on the political left, including Senator Bernie Sanders, independent of Vermont.

Andrew Nixon, a Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, confirmed the resignation Tuesday evening.

“Dr. Prasad did not want to be a distraction to the great work of the F.D.A. in the Trump administration and has decided to return to California and spend more time with his family,” Mr. Nixon said in a statement. “We thank him for his service and the many important reforms he was able to achieve in his time at F.D.A.”

Looks like Endpoints had it first, for the record. 

I don't have much positive to say about Dr. Prasad, but I agree that Sarepta needed to pull its drug off the market. Of all the moves he made, I feel that one was the least controversial. We'll have to see what ultimately was the cause of this resignation. 

Meanwhile, the political independence of FDA is basically fully gone. I don't think the Trump Administration realizes how they are killing the golden goose that is the American life sciences/pharmaceutical complex, from academia to industry to government. I hope these moves are reversible, but most of them are not, I fear. 

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 49 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List has 49 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions. 

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

To see trending, go to Andrew Spaeth's visualization of previous years' list.

On July 30, 2024, the 2025 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 57 research/teaching positions and five teaching positions. 

Want to talk anonymously? Have an update on the status of a job search? Here's a link to the first open thread. 

Don't forget to click on "load more" below the comment box for the full thread. 

Are you having problems accessing the Google Sheet because of a Google Documents error? Email me at chemjobber@gmail.com and I will send you an Excel download of the latest sheet. 

C&EN: "AstraZeneca to put $50 billion into US facilities"

Via C&EN's Aayushi Pratap, this onshoring news: 

AstraZeneca is reversing a history of outsourcing its production of pharmaceutical chemicals with a plan to expand manufacturing capacity in the US. It is also the latest big drug company to announce expansion of its footprint in the US.

AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, announced plans earlier this week to invest $50 billion in the US by 2030 to build new manufacturing units and expand existing ones. They include a project to develop a pharmaceutical chemical facility in Virginia. The plant will be the company’s largest single manufacturing investment ever, according to an AstraZeneca press release.

The new facility will produce small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides for drug candidates the firm is developing for weight management and metabolic disorders. “The facility will leverage AI, automation, and data analytics to optimize production,” the press release says. 

The investments also include an expansion of AstraZeneca’s R&D facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland; a new R&D center in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and cell therapy manufacturing facilities in Rockville, Maryland, and Tarzana, California.

For the record, this is great potential news for American chemists. 

I really like how the article quotes perennial C&EN favorite James Bruno, who is skeptical how many of these many facilities will be built. For the record, I think he is right and the likelihood that all of these many facilities will be built is well below 50%. We shall see...

Have a great weekend

I had a great week (naturally, being on vacation.) I hope that you had a restful week as well, and that you have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you on Monday. 

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 42 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions

 The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List has 42 research/teaching positions and 5 teaching positions. 

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

To see trending, go to Andrew Spaeth's visualization of previous years' list.

On July 23, 2024, the 2025 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 45 research/teaching positions and four teaching positions. 

Want to talk anonymously? Have an update on the status of a job search? Here's a link to the first open thread. 

Don't forget to click on "load more" below the comment box for the full thread. 

Are you having problems accessing the Google Sheet because of a Google Documents error? Email me at chemjobber@gmail.com and I will send you an Excel download of the latest sheet. 

Postdoctoral position: radiochemistry teaching, Forbes Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

From the inbox: 

The Forbes Research Group at the University of Iowa has an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar working in the area of radiochemistry curriculum and laboratory development.

This position is supported by funding from the Association of Public Health Laboratories and is associated with the University of Iowa Department of Chemistry Radiochemistry Graduate Certificate Program. The postdoctoral scholar will leverage this support to design and develop an advanced laboratory course and expand lecture-based content in radiochemistry—enhancing both educational offerings and practical training within the certificate program.

Initial term: one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

Start date: TBD (must be after Ph.D. completion)

Full ad here. Best wishes to those interested.  

Have a great weekend

Well, this has been a wild week for me so far. Next week is a vacation week for me (I hope). I hope that you have a wonderful weekend. Limited posting next week, but we'll see you (guaranteed) a week from Monday. 

Brookline, MA student injured in IPA fire

Via Vivi Smilgius of Brookline News: 

A Brookline High School student and teacher were burned when a fire broke out on July 3 during a chemistry experiment in a summer school class, according to Brookline and state fire authorities.

The student, a 15-year-old, was treated at the scene by Brookline firefighters and taken to Boston Children’s Hospital for first- and second-degree burns to the hands, chest and face, according to Brookline Fire Chief John Sullivan.

The student was the only person treated by the Brookline Fire Department, Sullivan said. The teacher sustained “burns that were less serious,” according to Jake Wark, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Fire Marshal. Fire officials did not identify the student or teacher.

Brookline’s fire investigation team is investigating the incident, assisted by the state marshal’s office.

“The preliminary evidence suggests that a teacher was conducting an experiment that involved isopropyl alcohol, which is highly flammable. During this process, the alcohol ignited and the shirt of a student in close proximity caught fire, causing serious burn injuries,” Wark said in a statement to Brookline.News.

The teacher immediately helped the student, and another student used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, Wark said.

The Public Schools of Brookline did not respond to requests for comment from Brookline.News.

Justin Brown, the president of the Brookline Educators’ Union, declined to comment on the incident.

Seems to me that if we keep having teachers making mistakes with flammable solvents, we will continue to have injured students. It's a shame America can't seem to stop this from happening. 

Media report: "Israeli chemist faced unrelenting antisemitism at Stanford lab, lawsuit alleges"

Via the Jewish News of Northern California, this report: 

An Israeli scientist who came to Stanford as a postdoctoral fellow is suing the university, alleging it failed to take seriously the extreme antisemitic discrimination he said he experienced while researching treatments for diabetes from April 2024 to February 2025.

The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Los Angeles-based law firm Cohen Williams filed the suit on his behalf Thursday morning in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The lawsuit makes 17 allegations of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, defamation, withholding pay and breach of contract. The allegations include violations of both the federal Civil Rights Act and the state Unruh Civil Rights Act.

Shay Laps, a chemist from the Haifa area, said he faced hostility “from the moment of his arrival” in April 2024 at the Stanford Diabetes Research Center, which is part of Stanford’s School of Medicine. According to the lawsuit, as the months went on Laps was subjected to attempts at intimidation by his supervisor and efforts to remove him from the lab.

On reading the lawsuit, it appears that neither his coworker nor his PI was particularly friendly nor professional. Here's hoping that he ends up in a better laboratory. 

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 28 research/teaching positions and 3 teaching positions

The 2026 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List has 28 research/teaching positions and 3 teaching positions. 

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

To see trending, go to Andrew Spaeth's visualization of previous years' list.

On July 16, 2024, the 2025 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 35 research/teaching positions and four teaching positions. 

Want to talk anonymously? Have an update on the status of a job search? Here's a link to the first open thread. 

Don't forget to click on "load more" below the comment box for the full thread. 

Are you having problems accessing the Google Sheet because of a Google Documents error? Email me at chemjobber@gmail.com and I will send you an Excel download of the latest sheet. 

Have a good weekend

Well, this was a relatively quiet week. I hope that you had a quiet week, and that you have as restful and fun of a weekend as I am hoping to have. We'll see you on Monday.