Analytical Chemist Food Chemistry

The Analytical Chemist is responsible for performing a variety of complex tests to obtain information on the chemistry of food matrices. In addition to testing, the Analytical Chemist will serve as a subject matter expert and frequently answer questions regarding HPLC, ICP-MS, and other analytical assays.

Productivity

• In depth understanding of analytical chemistry concepts and instrumental analysis including HPLC, ICP, and mass spectrometry. Understands cause and effect relationships related to sample preparation procedures and instrumental parameters to critically evaluate results.
• Experience with development and validation of new analytical methods for testing of food matrices using HPLC, HPLC MS, ICP, and other instrumentation needed to meet business needs.
  • Through literature searches, published validated methods, and in-house experimentation understand and define sample preparation procedures.
  • Define instrumental conditions and column selection for assays.
  • Document validation criteria such as robustness, reproducibility, and LOD/LOQ for method.
  • Creates SOPs for methods. Trains associates on new method.
• Implement validated analytical methods already available to the food industry through AOAC, AFFCO, and AACC. Collaborate with Quality, IT, Sales/Marketing, and Customer Service to implement methods. Train associates in the chemistry department on new methods and ensure proficiency of analysts.
• Maintains a clean and orderly laboratory. Maintains and troubleshoots analytical equipment issues. Performs preventative maintenance on instrumentation as needed.
• Maintains accurate records and complies with Quality policy.
• Embraces change through continuous improvement. Drives lab operations efficiencies to exceed customer expectations and reduce operating costs.
• Complies with safety regulations and guidelines.
• Assist the analytical chemistry group in completing testing during periods of high sample volume. Completes analytical testing when associates are on vacation or out of the lab.
• Provides training and positive leadership to Laboratory Technicians with less tenure and serves as a resource for routine testing questions.
• Participates in assessing new equipment as needed.
• Drives revenue growth through identifying gaps in chemistry testing portfolio. Works with sales to address market needs.
• Works overtime as needed to meet business needs.
• Review and validate analytical results in the LIMS system.

Quality

• Adheres to ISO 17025 quality standards by ensuring testing is in compliance.
• Reviews benchsheets, equipment logs, daily and weekly checklists for completion and accuracy.
• Assists in completion of root cause investigations, out of specification results, and other quality related tasks as needed.
• Completion of method development and validation activities.

Leadership

• Customer Service Mindset - keeps customer concerns a priority; goes above and beyond to build positive business relationships; drives accuracy and attention to detail in sample processing and values fastest turn around time for results
• Builds Internal Relationships - establishes communication and completes projects with peers; follows through on commitments with others; recognizes achievement of others
• Communicates Openly - conveys information in an open and transparent manner; organizes thoughts, expresses concerns, and communicates in a professional manner during one on ones and team meetings
• Accountability - Owns successes and failures; takes on responsibility for correcting errors and improving processes
• Integrity - approach daily life with strong morals and honesty. Be trustworthy and embody the highest ethical standards. Follow through on commitments and abides by and upholds standards of conduct.
• Develops Self - Seek out challenges and learning opportunities; passion for discovery; seeks out best practices
• Mentors Others - be approachable and helpful to team mates; recognized by peers as a coach
• Embraces Change - promote organizational change with a positive mindset; embraces continuous improvement
• Role Model Leader - lead by example in daily activities, maintain a positive mindset that inspires others; raises the standard for departmental performance; recognizes other's strengths; works well individually as well as in teams; works with a can-do attitude when challenged