Chemist

Farmina•Reidsville, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemist will conduct analytical testing and laboratory operations to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance in pet food manufacturing. This role requires strong expertise in classical wet chemistry, instrumental analysis, and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on nutritional, contaminant, and safety testing. The Chemist will serve as the technical expert, supporting method development, staff training, and implementation of advanced analytical instrumentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Minimum 5 years of laboratory experience in food, feed, or pet food testing with increasing responsibility.
Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques and operation of analytical instruments (NIR, spectrophotometer, ICP, UPLC).
Strong knowledge of nutritional, contaminant, and microbiological testing methods.
Experience with method development, validation, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to supervise and train laboratory staff.
Strong analytical problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

HACCP certification
PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification

Responsibilities

Perform and oversee routine testing for ash, protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and peroxide values using traditional AOAC methods.
Conduct and validate testing using Soxhlet extraction, Kjeldahl analysis, fiber extraction, muffle furnace, titrations, and polarimetry.
Apply aseptic sampling techniques, incubation, autoclaving, and microbiological assays (including mycotoxin analysis and VIDAS).
Operate and maintain advanced laboratory equipment such as NIR spectrometer, ICP-AES, and UPLC systems.
Lead implementation of ICP-AES for heavy metals and mineral analysis, and UPLC for vitamins and amino acid profiling.
Ensure laboratory practices comply with GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and FSMA guidelines.
Prepare, review, and approve test results, analytical reports, and Certificates of Analysis.
Train and mentor laboratory staff on methods, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
Investigate analytical deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Support R&D and Quality Assurance teams with method validation, product formulation testing, and troubleshooting.
Maintain laboratory safety programs, calibration schedules, and inventory of reagents/standards.
Must be able to cover other team members when they are out as they will for this position.