Lab Analyst

The Coca-Cola Company•Apopka, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

You will be part of The Ingredient Quality Department (IQD) that assures the quality and integrity of flavor ingredients used in Company products. Working closely with internal and external flavor producers, you will be part of a team that applies analytical, sensorial, and quality‑system knowledge to support manufacturing operations and to confirm ingredient suitability for release. You will demonstrate leadership and leverage your expertise in analytical chemistry and quality control to drive continuous improvement in our laboratory processes, ensuring accurate and timely results that support critical business decisions. This role requires you to work on-site during business hours, Monday through Friday and may require work time as early as 5 am. Occasionally, you may need to work earlier or later hours and weekends to meet business needs. This role has direct support for an on-site manufacturing team. Vision: To be a world-class quality assurance organization that confirms our ingredients are always of unquestionable integrity. Mission: We ensure the quality of key ingredients for the best beverage brands in the world. The position holds responsibility for technical decision‑making and quality leadership, including interpretation and authorization of analytical results, approval of technical reports, and stewardship of elements of the laboratory Quality Management System in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025 and customer requirements.

Requirements

Must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
1 year’s industrial experience working in a laboratory environment preferred
Chromatography: Basic understanding of Gas Chromatography (GC), GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Liquid Chromatography (LC).
Spectroscopy: Some knowledge or experience with Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy.
Analytical Techniques: Prior experience is preferred with other analytical, chemical, and physical property measurements such as Specific Gravity (SG), Turbidity, Solubility, and Titration.
Data Management: Previous experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is beneficial.
Laboratory Proficiency: Basic skills in handling chemicals safely in a lab setting.
Quality Systems: Interest in working within accredited lab frameworks like ISO-17025:2017, with an eagerness to learn about root cause analysis, method auditing, control charting, and evaluating data quality and instrument performance.
Technical Writing: Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document experimental procedures, data analysis, and technical reports.
Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with an interest in working with both internal teams and external stakeholders effectively
Must be able to maintain a strong level of confidentiality.
Troubleshooting: Fundamental understanding of effectively diagnosing and resolving complex analytical problems related to quality issues.
Preferred experience with Flavor, Fragrance and/or Juice ingredients
Preferred experience within a Manufacturing environment
Required to work and leverage in a multicultural setting (including multi-generational, multi-ethnic, different educational backgrounds, etc.)
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Technical Excellence: Gain valuable experience within a globally recognized organization learning to operate state-of-the-art laboratory technologies. Gain experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited lab and knowledge of quality systems. Learn from industry leaders in cutting-edge flavor quality control testing methodologies.
Industry Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of ingredient quality. This includes flavors and their application within the food and beverage industry.
Career Development: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including manufacturing teams, flavor R&D, and other global functions that may become part of your career path in a global beverage company.

Responsibilities

Maintaining a Safe Working Environment: Be part of a team that prioritizes safety. Follow all laboratory safety guidelines, including proper handling and disposal of chemicals, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and keeping the workspace clean and organized.
Conducting Routine Quality Testing: Leverage sophisticated instrumentation (e.g., GC-FID, LC) to perform a wide range of chemical, physical, and sensory analyses, including taste and odor, on a variety of ingredients. You will make decisions regarding the acceptability of ingredients for quality and, potentially, food safety purposes.
Ensure data integrity and compliance: Adhere to strict quality standards (ISO 17025, GLP), maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with all relevant company practices regarding confidentiality.
Supporting innovation: Be part of a team supporting projects to implement new analytical methods, improve laboratory efficiency, and enhance data accuracy.
Effective Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams and external clients (e.g., R&D, Production, Procurement) to address and resolve quality issues while supporting the company’s goals.
Learn and Train: Develop expertise by actively participating in various laboratory workflows, learning from supervisors and colleagues, sharing knowledge with others, and potentially training contract workers within a workplace that emphasizes continuous learning and growth.
Maintain laboratory equipment: Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and determine next steps in the troubleshooting of analytical instrument performance.
Demonstrating Teamwork: Contribute to fostering collaboration, support the team, and adopt a growth mindset to help achieve shared business goals.