Analytical Lab Lead

Glanbia•Sharonville, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled Flavor Analytical Lead to join our Research & Development team. This role is critical in supporting flavor creation, product development, and innovation initiatives through advanced analytical testing. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, strong problem‑solving abilities, excellent leadership capability, and the ability to collaborate across functions in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field.
10+ years of hands-on experience with GC, GC‑MS, GC‑FID, and related analytical instrumentation.
Strong understanding of analytical chemistry, including extraction techniques, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
Experience in analytical method development and sample preparation techniques.
Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous priorities.
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience analysing flavor compounds, natural extracts, and food chemistry, including sensory/organoleptic attributes.
Proficiency with SPME headspace, liquid extraction, LC/LC‑MS, and additional spectroscopic methods (NMR, FTIR).
Instrument troubleshooting and routine maintenance experience.
Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments (GMP, GLP).
Experience using ChemStation and/or Empower data systems.
Ability to interpret complex analytical profiles and provide data‑driven recommendations.

Responsibilities

Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavors, extracts, and complex mixtures using GC, GC‑MS, GC‑FID, HPLC, SPME, and related analytical techniques.
Conduct extraction, purification, and identification of flavor compounds in raw materials and finished products.
Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods to support new product development and quality objectives.
Prepare, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation, ensuring high accuracy and reliability in analytical workflows.
Interpret complex analytical datasets and provide clear, actionable reports.
Supervise and mentor a small team of analytical scientists, fostering technical development and operational excellence.
Manage customer-driven analytical projects and innovation initiatives, delivering results efficiently and with scientific depth.
Ensure laboratory operations meet internal SOPs, regulatory standards, and safety requirements.
Maintain precise documentation for methods, validation protocols, instrument logs, and analytical findings.
Partner closely with flavorists, R&D scientists, quality, and production teams to ensure alignment of analytical insights with development goals.
Support evaluation and implementation of new technologies, equipment, and techniques.