Analytical Lab Leader

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Date: Sep 23, 2026

Location: Baltimore, MD, US, 21226

Company: W. R. Grace & Co.

Annual Wage Range: $138,597.60  - $190,571.70 
Other Compensation:  Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses 
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

Grace is seeking an Analytical Lab Leader to join the Refining Catalysts catalyst evaluation R&D team. This role reports to the Director of Catalyst Evaluation and Services and is located at the Process Innovation Center (PIC) in Baltimore, MD. The primary function of this position is to serve as the leader of the Analytical Laboratories located in Baltimore and Columbia, MD for the Refining Catalysts business. This role oversees laboratory operations, serves as the Subject Matter Expert for the labs, the primary point of contact for the FCC/ART Petroleum lab activities and leads a team of chemists and technicians to deliver high-quality data supporting business objectives. This role will include the initial support of design and startup of the new lab at the PIC, then transitioning to manage its ongoing operations. This role is located in Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities

  • Manage daily operations of the ART Petroleum Lab at Baltimore MD supporting new product development and customer sample analysis collaborating with R&D and commercial teams; managing a team of chemists and technicians
  • Provide technical leadership for the FCC analytical lab based in Columbia, MD collaborating with the pilot plant leader, R&D and commercial teams
  • Maintain instruments, qualifications, calibration, documents, procedures, and records.
  • Ensure quality-system compliance and lab best practices.
  • Lead method development, validation, implementation, standards compliance, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
  • Advance analytical technologies and automation, and support capital investments
  • Lead safety culture in the labs ensuring compliance with EHS policies, regulatory and quality standards. 
  • Travel up to 10%

Required Qualifications

  • BS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of analytical lab experience including at least 3 years in personnel and lab management OR
  • MS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of analytical lab experience including at least 3 years in personnel and lab management OR
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of analytical lab experience including at least 3 years in personnel and lab management 
  • Expertise in analytical chemistry - chromatography, elemental analysis and spectroscopy 
  • Analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting experience.
  • Strong data analysis and statistical interpretation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • People leadership and lab management experience.
  • Experience with method development, validation, SPC, and analytical quality systems.
  • Experience writing procedures and reports and communicating results to customers.
  • Experience with automation, LIMS, and digital data management.
  • Knowledge of ASTM or related analytical standards.
  • Experience supporting catalyst, petrochemical, specialty chemical, or advanced materials programs.
  • Strong communication skills

 

To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.

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Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours
  • Retirement Plans 
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.


Nearest Major Market: Baltimore