Analytical Chemist

Custom Flavors; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Custom Flavors is seeking an Analytical Chemist to perform routine GC/MS operations, analyze materials, and generate comprehensive analytical reports. The role reports remotely to the R&D Supervisor and requires strong documentation and SOP development skills.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in Chemistry or related field with 3+ years GC/MS experience and a solid grasp of organic chemistry. Expect a full-time, on-site position in California with local travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field is required.
• 3+ years of lab and GC/MS experience required.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine GC/MS operation and maintenance per SOP with minimal guidance.
• Analyze raw materials and flavors using GC/MS; develop flavor trials.
• Review GC/MS data and generate analytical reports.
• Prepare and revise SOPs, experiments, and methods as needed.
• Train others in GC/MS operation; supervise junior staff if needed.
• Ensure safety, waste disposal, and confidentiality.
• Local travel between Custom Flavors locations.

Skills

GC/MS operation

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory equipment

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Microsoft Office

Math skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field

Tools

GC/MS Instrumentation

Job description

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $82,000.00 Annually

Position Purpose:Our Analytical Chemist plays a pivotal role in day-to-day operations by working individually and with a team to create customized flavor samples and generate analytical reports. This role will rely on independent GC/MS operation. This position will report remotely to the R&D Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Perform routine GC/MS operation and maintenance in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with minimal to no guidance.
• Implement methods to analyze raw materials and flavors using GC/MS.
• Perform various sample preparation procedures as needed in accordance with established SOPs with minimal to no guidance.
• Review and interpret GC/MS chromatographic data.
• Analyze, develop, and produce flavor trials for customers' requests and set them up for in-house comparison testing.
• Provide feedback and suggest modifications to make based on organoleptic analysis and GC/MS analysis.
• Generate/revise/design SOPs, experiments, instrumental methods as needed.
• Document new and revised flavor formulations.
• Organize and maintain inventory of laboratory or instrument supplies. Notify appropriate personnel or supervisor of any shortages.
• Follow proper chemical waste disposal procedures, and handling of chemicals according to the safety manual and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) protocols.
• Understand and follow procedures and protocols for security, quality, safety, and confidentiality.
• Create and provide analytical documentation to customers as requested.
• May train and develop other Custom Flavors employees in the operation of GC/MS instruments and related data.
• May supervise junior team members, including performance, development, and delegation of work.
• Additional duties as needed, including sample creation and testing equivalent to the duties of R&D Lab Technicians.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with all colleagues, levels of management, vendors, and customers.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage concurrent projects.
• Working knowledge Microsoft Office and applicable standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency with principles of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, GC/MS operation and related procedures, and with general laboratory equipment and procedures, such as balances and making dilutions.
• Math computations.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

Physical Demands:

The physical responsibilities described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, as well as talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to regularly use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and climb stairs. The position requires the ability to occasionally lift, push or pull office and lab products and supplies, up to 25 pounds. Must be capable of wearing a respirator.

Working Conditions:

The position works in a lab and office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets and fax machines, and standard lab equipment such as pipettes, scales, meters, and the GC/MS. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Travel:

Local travel between Custom Flavors' locations is required.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field required.
• 3+ years of laboratory and research experience using GC/MS equipment required
• Organic chemistry knowledge highly desirable