Technologist, Research & Development

The J.M. Smucker Co.•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Your Opportunity as the Technologist, Coffee R&D Serve as a key technical resource on the Advanced Coffee Science team, supporting standard coffee and beverage product testing. Perform analytical testing of coffee and beverage samples in accordance with approved methods and company procedures. Location: Orrville, OH Work Arrangements: 50% onsite expectations or more depending on business need In this role you will: Analytical Testing & Instrumentation Perform characterization of coffee and beverage samples, including physical properties and chemical analyses using techniques such as HPLC, GC, and stability testing. Recommend and utilize the most appropriate analytical equipment to optimize sample analysis. Operate, load, and run analytical instruments; (demonstrate proficiency with software such as ChemStation and MassHunter is a plus). Perform preventive maintenance on analytical instruments and other laboratory equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance activities across the laboratory. Troubleshoot instrument, testing, and sampling abnormalities using critical thinking to ensure accurate and reliable results. Data Analysis & Reporting Analyze test results and communicate summaries, conclusions, and trends to project teams in a clear and timely manner. Identify abnormal trends in data, report findings promptly, and take immediate corrective action as appropriate. Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) and generate high‑quality data in partnership with senior technical resources. Documentation & Quality Maintain rigorous documentation of all laboratory activities, including laboratory notebooks, detailed laboratory reports, investigation reports, and supporting records. Write, validate, and maintain SOPs, analytical programs, specifications, and protocols necessary for laboratory operations. Update SOPs as needed, ensuring proper document control and technical validation. Ensure all work complies with company safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory expectations. Project & Team Support Plan and manage laboratory projects to deliver high‑quality results on time. Provide analytical chemistry expertise to day‑to-day plant operations and cross‑functional project teams. Contribute to project activities by working effectively across disciplines and functions. Train, qualify, and support laboratory technicians to ensure consistent execution of analytical methods. Actively integrate safety principles into all laboratory activities and decision-making. What we are looking for: Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field Strong technical expertise in analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory best practices Demonstrated ability to implement and write validation studies Excellent troubleshooting, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and individuals at varying technical levels Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and laboratory data systems Proven ability to lead by example and integrate safety into all laboratory activities Right Place for You We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn® #LI-KK1 #INDSA We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live. We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success. Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Learn more about working at Smucker Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company. Learn more about our hiring process The J. M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field
Strong technical expertise in analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory best practices
Demonstrated ability to implement and write validation studies
Excellent troubleshooting, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and individuals at varying technical levels
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and laboratory data systems
Proven ability to lead by example and integrate safety into all laboratory activities

Nice To Haves

demonstrate proficiency with software such as ChemStation and MassHunter is a plus

Responsibilities

Perform characterization of coffee and beverage samples, including physical properties and chemical analyses using techniques such as HPLC, GC, and stability testing.
Recommend and utilize the most appropriate analytical equipment to optimize sample analysis.
Operate, load, and run analytical instruments
Perform preventive maintenance on analytical instruments and other laboratory equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance activities across the laboratory.
Troubleshoot instrument, testing, and sampling abnormalities using critical thinking to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Analyze test results and communicate summaries, conclusions, and trends to project teams in a clear and timely manner.
Identify abnormal trends in data, report findings promptly, and take immediate corrective action as appropriate.
Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) and generate high‑quality data in partnership with senior technical resources.
Maintain rigorous documentation of all laboratory activities, including laboratory notebooks, detailed laboratory reports, investigation reports, and supporting records.
Write, validate, and maintain SOPs, analytical programs, specifications, and protocols necessary for laboratory operations.
Update SOPs as needed, ensuring proper document control and technical validation.
Ensure all work complies with company safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
Plan and manage laboratory projects to deliver high‑quality results on time.
Provide analytical chemistry expertise to day‑to-day plant operations and cross‑functional project teams.
Contribute to project activities by working effectively across disciplines and functions.
Train, qualify, and support laboratory technicians to ensure consistent execution of analytical methods.
Actively integrate safety principles into all laboratory activities and decision-making.