Chemist III

Mérieux NutriSciences•Crete, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Mérieux NutriSciences is seeking a Chemist III for its Crete Analytical Laboratory in Crete, Illinois. The role performs advanced instrumental analyses on food, beverage, and nutraceutical products to assess safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. The Chemist III serves as a technical resource for complex analyses, troubleshoots instruments and methods, takes ownership of specialized projects, and mentors junior laboratory staff. The position also supports laboratory quality systems, equipment installation and maintenance, method verification, investigations, and process improvements. The successful candidate collaborates with client service personnel and teams across R&D, Quality Assurance, and operations. Work takes place in a chemical laboratory with exposure to hazardous substances, and required safety protocols and personal protective equipment must be followed. Occasional short-duration domestic travel may be required.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: bachelor's degree and more than 4 years of related chemistry laboratory experience; master's degree and more than 2 years of relevant industry experience; Ph.D. in a related field; or more than 8 years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree.
Advanced knowledge of chemistry sufficient to perform analyses, obtain correct results, and interpret data.
Demonstrated proficiency in one or more areas such as chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, instrument-based wet chemistry analysis, or instrumental allergen analysis; examples include HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and ICP-MS.
Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 regulatory guidelines for a third-party testing laboratory.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
Excellent documentation and data interpretation skills.
Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to multitask and work efficiently.
Proficiency with LIMS and data analysis software.
Ability to demonstrate empathy, resilience, self-awareness, motivation, and collaboration.
Broad knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies in a regulated testing environment.
Strong oral and written communication skills and customer relationship skills.
Ability to stand, walk, handle chemicals and laboratory equipment, and use fine motor skills for precise measurements; ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of food science and analyses used to determine chemical content.
Experience in method development and validation.
Familiarity with FDA, USDA, EPA, AOAC, HACCP, FSMA, and other global food safety regulations.
Strong experience following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Responsibilities

Perform testing of nutritional labels, contaminants, toxins, preservatives, additives, and other food components in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.
Perform advanced instrumental analyses autonomously using equipment such as GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, and GC.
Maintain laboratory instruments, carry out necessary minor repairs, and schedule repairs and service.
Coordinate installation of new equipment, including planning, site preparation, delivery, and validation as appropriate.
Identify departures from the quality system or test procedures and document observations through the prescribed complaint system.
Read, calculate, and record analysis data; prepare client reports and correct discrepancies.
Evaluate current methods and procedures and recommend modifications to laboratory management.
Perform method verifications, troubleshoot analyses, and conduct investigations and root cause analyses with minimal supervisor input.
Communicate procedural or operational difficulties and delays to client service personnel as required.
Maintain the LIMS knowledge needed to complete job responsibilities.
Mentor and train junior chemists, laboratory technicians, and quality control staff on analytical methods, instrument operation, and laboratory practices.
Lead specialized projects and support specific or unique client requests autonomously.
Keep assigned training up to date and support implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the management system.
Support lean initiatives to maintain an organized laboratory.
Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and operations teams on new product development and process improvements.
Perform other related duties as assigned and act in an ethical manner consistent with the Code of Conduct.