Senior Scientist - Reference Standards

Restek is looking for a Senior Scientist to join our Reference Standards team, leading the synthesis, purification, and optimization of reference standard compounds, including PFAS, PAHs, and pesticides, to help build the inventory our customers rely on for accurate testing. You will spend most of your time hands on at the bench, using small scale synthesis, distillation, recrystallization, and manual and automated chromatography, while also helping bring new and improved processes into full scale manufacturing.

This is an applied, hands-on role for someone who wants to stay close to the chemistry rather than move into a purely research focused position. You will work closely with our Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Product Management teams, and mentor junior chemists as you become established in the role.

There is real room to grow into greater technical ownership, leading process improvements, and becoming the go-to expert who supports and informs the research happening around you.

What You Will Do

• Synthesize, purify, and optimize reference standard compounds, including PFAS, PAHs, and pesticides, prioritizing the materials our customers need most.
• Perform hands on synthesis and purification work using small scale synthesis equipment, distillation, recrystallization, and manual and automated chromatography, including LC-MS prep systems.
• Write and maintain clear SOPs and experience reports documenting synthesis and purification procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Support the transfer of optimized processes into Manufacturing, partnering closely with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Product Management.
• Mentor and train junior chemists as you become established in the role, serving as a go to technical resource for synthesis and purification.
• Prepare and deliver internal technical presentations, with only occasional travel (about one to two weeks per year).
• Follow safe working procedures for the chemicals and materials you work with, in line with Restek's Environmental Health and Safety guidelines.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of relevant chemistry experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience (a Ph.D. is a plus but not required).
• Hands-on experience with organic synthesis and purification techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, and chromatography.
• Comfort working independently at the bench, with a preference for applied, hands on chemistry over pure research.
• Strong documentation habits and the ability to write clear thorough SOPs.
• Experience with PFAS, PAHs, pesticides, or similar compound classes is a plus.
• Willingness to mentor others and share technical knowledge with the team.

This position will require the successful completion of a standard background check in accordance with Restek policy. Employment with Restek will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. 

What Makes Restek Unique

We prioritize work-life balance and well-being with offerings like generous PTO, unlimited sick time, onsite fitness center and wellness program with incentives, childcare reimbursement, and adoption assistance—giving you the tools to Own Your Well-Being. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and robust 8% retirement contributions, you can Own Your Financial Future while sharing in the success you help create. Our commitment to development ensures you can Own Your Growth through learning opportunities, career advancement programs, and a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork. 

At Restek, our core values—We Care, Better Every Day, Respect for All, and Win Together—are at the heart of everything we do. We care deeply about our employee-owners, our customers, and the communities we serve around the world. We strive to be better every day by fostering personal and professional growth while delivering solutions that drive positive global change. We value respect for all, creating a workplace where every voice matters and diverse perspectives drive innovation. And we believe we win together, celebrating shared success as a 100% employee-owned company. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, considering applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Restek provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable laws. 

 If you’re ready to join a team that lives its values and empowers you to Own Your Future, we’d love to hear your story. Apply today.