Analytical Chemist, Food Department

JOB SUMMARY: Analytical Chemist, Food Department, working in an accredited commercial laboratory, performs a variety of scientific and analytical laboratory activities with minimal supervision. This position is specifically focused on food chemistry and food analysis, with an emphasis on chromatographic techniques and instrumentation. The Food Chemistry Scientist prepares and analyzes food and related samples, operates specialized laboratory instrumentation, evaluates analytical data, maintains accurate laboratory records, and supports the laboratory's quality and operational objectives. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound technical judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to independently execute established analytical methods while recognizing and communicating analytical issues. As technical expertise develops, this position may serve as a food chemistry technical resource or SME, assisting with method troubleshooting, instrumentation, data interpretation, training, method development, and other technical activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Follow established SOPs and adhere to applicable state, federal, client, and accrediting‑body requirements. Prepare and process food and related samples for chemical and instrumental analysis. Perform sample preparation, extraction, dilution, filtration, and other applicable preparation techniques. Prepare and use standards, solutions, reagents, and quality‑control materials required for analytical testing. Operate specialized laboratory instrumentation, including GC, GC/MS, HPLC/LC, LC/MS, and related analytical equipment, as applicable to assigned methods. Perform instrument setup, calibration, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Analyze chromatographic data and evaluate analytical results for accuracy, quality, and consistency. Recognize unusual results, instrument issues, method problems, or other conditions that may affect data quality and appropriately elevate or investigate them. Perform analytical testing in accordance with established methods and laboratory quality requirements. Maintain the integrity of analytical procedures and document professional activity for peer review. Support method verification, validation, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities as assigned. Assist with investigations of atypical, unexpected, or out‑of‑specification analytical results. Maintain accurate, complete, and up‑to‑date laboratory notebooks, worksheets, logs, equipment records, and other required documentation. Accurately enter and review analytical data in the laboratory information management system (LIMS). Monitor assigned workload and communicate sample backlog, turnaround‑time concerns, or other operational issues. Participate in laboratory quality initiatives, audits, proficiency testing, and other activities as assigned. Provide technical assistance and knowledge‑sharing to other laboratory personnel as appropriate. May serve as a technical resource of SME for assigned food chemistry methods, instrumentation, or processes. May assist with training and mentoring analysts in applicable analytical procedures and instrumentation. Comply with and promote all Safety and Quality programs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline. Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in a commercial, industrial, food testing, manufacturing, environmental or other professional laboratory setting, operating and/or analyzing data from GC, GC/MS, HPLC/LC, LC/MS, or comparable chromatographic instrumentation. Academic laboratory experience alone does not satisfy this requirement. Working knowledge of laboratory analytical principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation. Experience with sample preparation, standards, calibration, quality control practices, and laboratory documentation. Ability to accurately interpret analytical data and recognize potential analytical or instrumentation issues. Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time to meet established deadlines and rush orders. Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity. Computer literacy and ability to work effectively with laboratory information systems and other computerized systems. Ability to work safely with laboratory chemicals, instrumentation, and equipment. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.