Analytical Chemist

Custom Ingredients, Inc.; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Custom Flavors in Southern California is seeking an Analytical Chemist to operate GC/MS, develop flavor analyses, and generate analytical reports. You will work with an R&D team to prepare samples and interpret chromatographic data, contributing to flavor trials for customer requests.

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Food Science and 3+ years’ GC/MS experience are required, with organic chemistry knowledge highly desirable.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform routine GC/MS operation and maintenance per SOPs.
• Review and interpret GC/MS chromatographic data.
• Analyze, develop, and produce flavor trials for customer requests.
• Create and provide analytical documentation to customers.
• May train or supervise junior staff.

Skills

GC/MS operation

Data interpretation

Communication

Detail-oriented

Laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Food Science

Tools

GC/MS instrumentation

Job description

About this position

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