Phytonutrient Chemist | Library & Formulation Innovator

Ralco; Balaton (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ralco in Balaton/Marshall, MN seeks a qualified scientist to expand and deepen our natural compound library, source and authenticate candidates, and chemically profile each entry for identity, purity, stability, and known activity.

The role blends library science with formulation chemistry to ensure compounds remain stable and functional in finished products, collaborating with production teams and the in vitro group, with occasional travel between Balaton and Marshall facilities.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience in compound extraction, isolation, authentication, and characterization of natural components.
• Master's degree or higher in Biochemistry, Phytochemistry, Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Proficiency with GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC and other analytical instruments.
• Willingness to travel between Balaton MN and Marshall MN facilities.
• Experience collaborating with in vitro or related teams on compound screening.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate new candidate compounds to advance at least 5 per quarter from literature, suppliers, and botanical leads.
• Run standard lab testing (GC, HPLC, MS) on new compounds prior to database entry and authenticate within 1 month.
• Complete literature reviews establishing activity, mechanism, and safety for each compound before entry.
• Maintain complete chemical profiles with specification, purity, parameters, and literature citations.
• Deliver compound data to the in-vitro science team within 1 month of receiving a sample.
• Apply chemical engineering knowledge to formulation stability and solve manufacturing hurdles.
• Collaborate with production to ensure chemistry stays stable in finished products.
• Participate in quarterly library reviews and propose novel ingredients.
• Move ideas through formulation with the Innovation team; ensure compliance with handling protocols.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Education

Master's degree in Biochemistry/Phytochemistry/Organic Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Tools

GC-FID

GC-MS

HPLC

Job description

Ralco in Balaton/Marshall, MN seeks a qualified scientist to expand and deepen our natural compound library, source and authenticate candidates, and chemically profile each entry for identity, purity, stability, and known activity.

The role blends library science with formulation chemistry to ensure compounds remain stable and functional in finished products, collaborating with production teams and the in vitro group, with occasional travel between Balaton and Marshall facilities.