Chemist III

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America; Crete (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

PTO

401(k) Matching

Job summary

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America in Crete, IL seeks a Chemist III to perform advanced instrumental analyses on food and nutraceutical products, ensuring safety and quality. You will troubleshoot, own projects, and mentor junior chemists in analytical testing procedures, acting as a technical resource for complex analyses.

The role requires proficiency in GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC and related software, with strong documentation and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of chemistry to perform analyses, interpret data.
• Proficiency in chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, or related methods.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 regulatory guidelines for third-party labs.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent documentation and data interpretation skills.
• Leadership skills and ability to multitask in a regulated lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing for nutritional labeling, contaminants, toxins, preservatives, and other components per standards.
• Maintain and service lab instruments; schedule repairs as needed.
• Conduct advanced analyses with GCMS, LCMS, HPLC, GC.
• Lead installation and validation of new equipment.
• Mentor junior chemists and lab staff on methods and SOPs.
• Prepare client reports with accurate data and corrections as needed.

Skills

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry

LIMS

Mentoring

Analytical testing

Leadership

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree + >4 years

Master's degree + >2 years

PhD in related field

In lieu of degree + >8 years

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

HPLC

Chromeleon

MassHunter

Sciex OS

ICP-MS

Job description

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 32 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years. join us!

YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE

We are looking for a Chemist III in 3600 Eagle Nest Dr, North Building, Crete, IL 60417 USA. Your mission will be to:

Position Summary

The incumbent will be responsible for performing accurate advanced instrumental analyses on food, beverage, and nutraceutical products to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. This role will involve troubleshooting, project ownership and mentoring junior chemists in analytical testing procedures. The role is expected to be a technical resource for complex analyses and support the building of a strong team of analytical professionals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Perform testing for nutritional labeling, contaminants, toxins, preservatives, additives, and other food components in compliance with regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, AOAC, ISO, HACCP, etc.).
• Maintain laboratory instruments in working order and make any minor repairs that are necessary, including scheduling of repairs and service.
• Perform advanced technical analyses with analytical instrumentation (GCMS, LCMS, HPLC, GC, etc.) autonomously.
• Proficient in instrument-specific software such as Chromeleon, MassHunter, Sciex OS, etc.
• Lead coordination of installation of new equipment, including planning, site prep, delivery, and validation as appropriate.
• Identify departures from the quality system or test procedures and document such observations in accordance with the prescribed complaint system.
• Read, calculate and record analysis data to produce a report for the client. Responsible for correcting any discrepancies that occur.
• Works as a change agent to evaluate current methods/procedures and recommend modifications to laboratory management.
• Perform method verifications and troubleshooting with minimal input from supervisor.
• Perform thorough investigations and root cause analysis.
• Communicate procedural and operational difficulties and delays to client service personnel as required.
• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities. Mentor and train junior chemists, laboratory technicians, and quality control staff on analytical methods, instrument operation, and best laboratory practices.
• Work autonomously to lead specialized projects and support specific or unique client requests.
• Must keep up-to-date with assigned training.
• Responsibility to support laboratory management in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the management system. Support lean initiatives to maintain an organized lab.
• Positively collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and operations teams to support new product development and process improvements.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.

Communication

• Occasional contact with the personnel outside the immediate working unit.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential to this position for effective customer contact. Customer relation skills are needed to obtain and provide information to the customer

Qualifications Required

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree plus >4 years experience in a related chemistry lab environment
  • Masters degree and >2 years relevant industry work experience
  • Ph. D in a related field
  • In lieu of degree, >8 years relevant work experience
• This position requires an advanced knowledge of chemistry to perform analyses, obtain correct results and interpret data.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more areas of chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, instrument-based wet chemistry analysis, instrumental allergen analysis, or other equivalent discipline (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 regulatory guidelines for a third party testing lab.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent documentation and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to multitask and be efficient in work performed.
• Proficiency in LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and data analysis software.
• An ability to demonstrate empathy, resilience, self-awareness, motivation, and collaboration.
• A broad knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies in a regulated testing environment.

Qualifications Desired

• Advanced knowledge of food science and the analyses involved with the determination of chemical content.
• Experience in method development and validation.
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, EPA, AOAC, HACCP, FSMA, and other global food safety regulations.
• Strong experience in laboratory procedures adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Success Factors / Job Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Careful focus on all aspects of tasks.
• Customer Service Orientation: Prioritizing customer satisfaction.
• Multitasking Abilities: Managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to arrange resources and tasks efficiently.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strength in finding solutions to challenges.
• Team Collaboration: Working well with others.
• Time Management: Efficient use of time to complete tasks.
• Accurate Record-Keeping: Maintaining precise records.
• High Productivity Levels: Producing substantial output.
• Meeting Deadlines Consistently: Completing tasks on time.
• Minimal Errors in Documentation: Few mistakes in records.
• Quality & Excellence: Maintaining a working adherence to SOPs and dictated quality standards.
• Safety: Perform work in a safe and efficient manner.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Demands:
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, and handle chemicals and laboratory equipment.
  • Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Must have fine motor skills for precise measurements and handling of chemicals.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• Work Environment:
  • Work is performed in a chemical laboratory with exposure to hazardous substances.
  • Adherence to safety protocols and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
  • The noise level is generally moderate.
  • May involve handling flammable, reactive, and toxic chemicals.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required to attend industry conferences or collaborate with other research facilities.
• Typically involves travel within the country and lasts for short durations (1-3 days).

Compensation Package Overview

Compensation Range $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 annual salary USD. Potential bonus: Up to 5% based on performance.

Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

WHY JOIN US?

• Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 60 years of experience and expertise.
• Because you would be part of a community of anenthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• Because you would grow in an international group of more than 10,000 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.

Ready for the journey?

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