Analytical Chemist

Imbibe•Niles, IL

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois, specializing in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Their mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1963, Imbibe offers full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions, utilizing an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant to address industry challenges. The company values collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship, and supports efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area. This Analytical Chemist position supports various departments including Research & Development, Quality Control, and Operations by providing analytical chemistry support. The role focuses on GC operations, capability improvements, and building critical databases for ongoing production.

Requirements

B.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field
0-2 years of experience with quantitative chemical analysis and creating analytical methodologies.
Familiar with laboratory experimentation and data analysis skills
This position requires the handling of food grade chemicals and ingredients for food and beverage with strong odors.
This position requires the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, including but not limited to lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, face masks, respirators, ear protection, etc.
Must be able to sit, stand, or remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
May occasionally need to move, lift, or transport containers of ingredients weighing up to 50 lbs.
Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the following equipment and software: GC/MS (GC 6890 MS 5975 With a Gerstel MPS2 Autosampler, Agilent 7890B GC with 5977B MSD and Gerstel Pro 3 Autosampler)
U-HPLC (UPLC H-Class Waters with Empower 3 Software)
Agilent Chemstation

Responsibilities

Primarily responsible for the execution of methods for the analysis of raw materials, flavors, and finished goods.
Execute methods for the analysis of food and flavor-related samples using chromatography (GC/MS, UHPLC), solvent extraction, headspace extraction, SPME, etc.
Perform analytical testing of volatile and non-volatile components in foods, beverages, flavors, extracts, and essences.
Performs analysis of raw materials used in the manufacture of flavors for both their purity and for an identification and internal library mapping.
Train in method development for the analysis of food and flavor-related samples using chromatography (GC/MS, UHPLC), solvent extraction, headspace extraction, SPME, etc.
Learn chromatographic methods for use in identifying and quantifying flavor materials.
Provide detailed, well-reviewed volatile analysis results using Agilent Chemstation and Excel reporting.
Engage with other departments, both within and outside of R&D, to promote existing capabilities as well as determine areas for improvement.
Performs routine and non-routine maintenance, troubleshoots, and resolves equipment malfunctions as they arise on analytical chromatography equipment while providing support to ensure that analytical laboratory equipment is maintained in proper working order.
Coordinates maintenance from outside vendors as needed.
Work with Senior Analytical Chemist to coordinate and improve flavor analysis methods within R&D and QC.
Coordinate testing methodologies between internal lab, customer labs and/or third-party labs.
Manage day-to-day laboratory operations: workflow for all analysis, ordering of supplies, lab organization, safety, and cleanliness.
Performs all duties following established laboratory procedures and establishes and documents new procedures as necessary.
Possesses excellent presentation and communication skills, effectively translating analytical results into business drivers.
Conduct independent research to keep abreast of scientific advances in the areas of analytical and flavor chemistry.