Analytical Chemist, Food Department

Microbac•Warrendale, PA

12d

About The Position

Microbac Laboratories, Inc. is seeking an Analytical Chemist to join its analytical laboratory team. Working in an accredited commercial laboratory, this position performs scientific and analytical laboratory activities with minimal supervision, focusing on food chemistry and food analysis, particularly chromatographic techniques and instrumentation. The chemist prepares and analyzes food and related samples, operates specialized laboratory instruments, evaluates analytical data, maintains accurate laboratory records, and supports quality and operational objectives. The role requires sound technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to independently carry out established analytical methods while recognizing and communicating analytical issues. As technical expertise develops, the chemist may serve as a technical resource or subject matter expert for food chemistry methods and instrumentation. This may include method troubleshooting, data interpretation, training, method development, and other technical activities. The position also supports quality initiatives, audits, proficiency testing, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
At least 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a commercial, industrial, food testing, manufacturing, environmental, or other professional laboratory setting, operating and/or analyzing data from GC, GC/MS, HPLC/LC, LC/MS, or comparable chromatographic instrumentation. Academic laboratory experience alone does not meet this requirement.
Working knowledge of laboratory analytical principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation.
Experience with sample preparation, standards, calibration, quality-control practices, and laboratory documentation.
Ability to accurately interpret analytical data and recognize potential analytical or instrumentation issues.
Ability to prioritize work and manage time to meet established deadlines and rush orders.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
Computer literacy and ability to work effectively with laboratory information systems and other computerized systems.
Ability to work safely with laboratory chemicals, instrumentation, and equipment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a food chemistry, food testing, food manufacturing, or analytical chemistry laboratory.
Hands-on experience with both GC and LC/HPLC platforms.
Experience with GC/MS and/or LC/MS.
Experience analyzing complex food matrices.
Experience with chromatographic method troubleshooting and optimization.
Experience with analytical method development, verification, or validation.
Experience interpreting chromatographic data and investigating unexpected analytical results.
Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited or other regulated/accredited analytical laboratory.
Familiarity with FDA, AOAC, or other applicable food testing requirements and analytical methodologies.
Previous experience as a technical resource, trainer, lead analyst, or SME.
Food chemistry expertise and a strong understanding of food composition and analytical testing.

Responsibilities

Follow established SOPs and applicable state, federal, client, and accrediting-body requirements.
Prepare and process food and related samples for chemical and instrumental analysis, including sample preparation, extraction, dilution, and filtration.
Prepare and use standards, solutions, reagents, and quality-control materials for analytical testing.
Operate specialized laboratory instrumentation, including GC, GC/MS, HPLC/LC, LC/MS, and related equipment, as applicable to assigned methods.
Perform instrument setup, calibration, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Analyze chromatographic data and evaluate analytical results for accuracy, quality, and consistency.
Recognize unusual results, instrument issues, method problems, and other conditions that may affect data quality; investigate or escalate them appropriately.
Perform analytical testing in accordance with established methods and laboratory quality requirements.
Maintain the integrity of analytical procedures and document professional activity for peer review.
Support method verification, validation, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
Assist with investigations of atypical, unexpected, or out-of-specification analytical results.
Maintain accurate and current laboratory notebooks, worksheets, logs, equipment records, and other required documentation.
Enter and review analytical data in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
Monitor workload and communicate sample backlogs, turnaround-time concerns, and other operational issues.
Participate in laboratory quality initiatives, audits, proficiency testing, and other assigned activities.
Provide technical assistance and share knowledge with other laboratory personnel.
May serve as a technical resource or SME for assigned food chemistry methods, instrumentation, or processes.
May assist with training and mentoring analysts in applicable procedures and instrumentation.
Comply with and promote Safety and Quality programs.