Senior Analytical Scientist: Brewing QA & Method Leadership

New Belgium Brewing; Daleville (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

Bell’s and New Belgium is committed to fostering a collaborative team environment built on continuous improvement strategies.

About the Role

This is a senior-level position that plays a critical role in both leadership and scientific advancement within the QA department, with a specific focus on chromatographic and elemental analyses. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for implementing, executing, troubleshooting and training teams on advanced analytical methods designed to conduct product and process analysis and drive quality decisions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve methods for assigned laboratory areas, specifically involving GC, GCMS and UHPLC.
• Demonstrate a high degree of proficiency and independence for all routine analyses within discipline.
• Troubleshoot method issues following a scientific approach.
• Interpret and integrate instrument data to apply results back to process and product improvement.
• Develop and provide training and mentoring to analytical and production team members.
• Work with instrument suppliers on technical issues, preventative maintenance and new technologies.
• Lead analytical investigations related to product quality deviations, process control, and contamination events.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance, Production, and R&D teams to support process optimization and new product development projects.
• Interpret complex data sets, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings effectively to cross‑functional teams and management.
• Own data integrity and review: raw data, alignment across instruments and other lab sites, integration rules, method/SOP audits, and daily data verifications for critical or more complicated analyses.
• Mentor laboratory technicians, providing guidance on analytical best practices and technology utilization.
• Stay current with scientific advancements and industry trends to recommend improvements or new technologies for the brewery.
• Champion LIMS applications for sample login, chain of custody, data integrations, CDS, sample request/report systems.
• Assist with regulatory submissions and audits by providing analytical data and documentation as required.
• Demonstrated ability to start and facilitate projects that yield tangible production benefits, improved QA workflows or improved product quality.
• Competent in initiating both directed and self‑initiated projects, driving continuous improvement.
• Adaptable in executing external procedures and methodologies for implementation within NBB operations.
• Effectively compile, organize, and interpret complex data sets to identify trends, support decision‑making, and deliver clear, actionable insights to stakeholders.
• Equipped to recommend changes and enhancements to existing NBB standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols, fostering operational excellence in the laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with company QMS and applicable standards (e.g., ISO 17025 concepts for traceability and competence).
• Maintain reference materials, calibrants, and metrological traceability; manage stability and lot qualification.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Chemistry is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in analytical chemistry, preferably within the food or beverage industry; brewery experience is preferred.
• Proven expertise with GCMS, GC_ECD, UHPLC and ICP technologies and their application in complex sample matrices.
• Proficient with instrument software: MassHunter, Open Lab, ICP Expert.
• Strong knowledge of analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements relevant to food and beverage analysis.
• Formalized problem‑solving skills, understanding of root‑cause analysis and practical applications of statistical process control are desired.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data clearly.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring scientific staff is preferred.
• Strong skill set in method development, validation, calibration and instrument maintenance.

Required Skills

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient with instrument software: MassHunter, Open Lab, ICP Expert.
• Strong knowledge of analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting.

Preferred Skills

• Experience leading projects and mentoring scientific staff.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements relevant to food and beverage analysis.

Pay range and compensation package

Wage information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is Bell’s and New Belgium's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, or other position‑related reasons.

Starting Salary Range: $59,000-$69,500

All Full time Coworkers at Bell’s and New Belgium enjoy the following benefits after one calendar month of employment: Medical & Dental Insurance (options available for dependents), Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, PTO, 401k Match, Paid Caregiver Leave, and Profit Sharing. Details will be shared and questions answered during our interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bell’s and New Belgium is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.