Associate Chemist

our company•Louisville, KY

5d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Chemist supports research and development activities for alcoholic beverage products through analytical testing, sensory evaluation, method execution, and laboratory support. This role is responsible for generating accurate and reliable data to support product development, quality assessment, process optimization, and innovation initiatives. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with R&D, production teams, and quality control while maintaining high standards of laboratory safety, data integrity, and scientific rigor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
1–3 years of laboratory experience in the beverage, food, fermentation, pharmaceutical, consumer products, or a related industry. Internship, co-op, and undergraduate research experience will be considered.
Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, and DMA, including sample preparation, calibration, testing, and basic method development.
Working knowledge of analytical chemistry principles, laboratory techniques, and safe chemical-handling practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as well as chromatography data systems or statistical analysis software.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team.

Nice To Haves

Experience in alcoholic beverages, brewing, distilling, wine, spirits, or fermentation science.
Knowledge of sensory evaluation, sensory science, or beverage flavour chemistry.
Experience supporting product development or innovation projects.

Responsibilities

Conduct analyses of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished beverage products.
Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation including: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Density Meter/Alcohol Analyzer (DMA), and other standard laboratory equipment.
Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and calibration solutions according to established methods and SOPs.
Accurately record, analyze, and report test results.
Maintain laboratory equipment through routine cleaning, calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance activities.
Assist with method development, verification, validation, and documentation as required.
Organize and conduct sensory testing, including sample preparation, data collection, and reporting.
Oversee the training and monitoring of sensory panels for all IJW sites.
Support product development, formulation, and process improvement projects through sample prep, testing, and data generation.
Assist with experimental trials, pilot-scale evaluations, and product benchmarking activities.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for laboratory methods and workflows.