Corporate Laboratory Analyst

Smithfield Foods • Denison, IA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

As a Corporate Laboratory Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of our food products and by‑products through accurate and timely microbiological and/or chemical testing. You will apply your scientific expertise to evaluate a wide range of meat products and environmental samples, delivering precise results that support corporate standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Whether your focus is microbiology, chemistry, or a combination of both, you will be a trusted technical expert whose work directly underpins our commitment to excellence and food safety. In this role, you will leverage advanced methodologies, industry‑leading technologies, and strong analytical judgment to perform complex testing with consistency and reliability. Within microbiology, you will conduct thorough microbial analyses and may participate in method validation initiatives, exercising independence in daily decision-making. Within chemistry, you will perform critical chemical analyses and contribute to maintaining the laboratory’s accreditation by engaging in proficiency testing, audits, and internal quality reviews. Your work will strengthen our corporate laboratory operations and help ensure that the products we deliver meet the highest standards of safety and integrity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field, or 2+ years of relevant hands on experience conducting microbiological or chemistry analysis; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety.
• Knowledge of various pathogens and microbes associated with food production.
• Ability to use a variety of basic laboratory equipment.
• Strong knowledge of Databases, Internet usage, and Microsoft applications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to travel on an occasional basis.

Responsibilities

• Conducts microbiology and/or chemistry tests according to established protocols.
• Issuing and maintaining laboratory testing records and issuing reports.
• Maintain laboratory accreditation.
• Analysis of micro and chemistry data.
• Successfully perform proficiency testing for both Micro and Chemistry
• Sample and media preparation.
• Special projects related to food safety, quality and/or plant profitability.
• You will calibrate and perform general maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• You will carry out daily housekeeping duties, including cleaning glassware and countertops, to maintain a safe and organized workspace.
• Additionally, you will assist with method reviews and modifications, as well as evaluations of new equipment.
• You will also be responsible for reagent preparation and standardization, supporting the consistency and precision of chemical analyses.
• In the absence of key personnel the employee’s supervisor or qualified designee (one that has been trained in the key employee's duties) is responsible to complete or delegate the completion of all required tasks and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level