Chemist III

About the role

We are seeking a Chemist III at Crete Analytical Laboratory, located at 3600 Eagle Nest Dr, North Building, Crete, IL 60417 USA.

Responsibilities

• Perform accurate advanced instrumental analyses on food, beverage, and nutraceutical products to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Maintain laboratory instruments in working order and make any minor repairs that are necessary, including scheduling of repairs and service.
• Perform advanced technical analyses with analytical instrumentation (GCMS, LCMS, HPLC, GC, etc.) autonomously.
• Proficient in instrument-specific software such as Chromeleon, MassHunter, Sciex OS, etc.
• Lead coordination of installation of new equipment, including planning, site prep, delivery, and validation as appropriate.
• Identify departures from the quality system or test procedures and document such observations in accordance with the prescribed complaint system.
• Read, calculate and record analysis data to produce a report for the client. Responsible for correcting any discrepancies that occur.
• Works as a change agent to evaluate current methods/procedures and recommend modifications to laboratory management.
• Perform method verifications and troubleshooting with minimal input from supervisor.
• Communicate procedural and operational difficulties and delays to client service personnel as required.
• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities.
• Mentor and train junior chemists, laboratory technicians, and quality control staff on analytical methods, instrument operation, and best laboratory practices.
• Work autonomously to lead specialized projects and support specific or unique client requests.
• Must keep up-to-date with assigned training.
• Support laboratory management in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the management system.
• Support lean initiatives to maintain an organized lab.
• Positively collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and operations teams to support new product development and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Required Education: Bachelors degree plus >4 years experience in a related chemistry lab environment, or Masters degree and >2 years relevant industry work experience, or Ph. D in a related field, or >8 years relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of chemistry to perform analyses, obtain correct results and interpret data.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more areas of chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, instrument-based wet chemistry analysis, instrumental allergen analysis, or other equivalent discipline (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 regulatory guidelines for a third party testing lab.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent documentation and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to multitask and be efficient in work performed.
• Proficiency in LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and data analysis software.
• An ability to demonstrate empathy, resilience, self-awareness, motivation, and collaboration.
• A broad knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies in a regulated testing environment.
• Desired Qualifications: Advanced knowledge of food science and the analyses involved with the determination of chemical content, experience in method development and validation, familiarity with FDA, USDA, EPA, AOAC, HACCP, FSMA, and other global food safety regulations, strong experience in laboratory procedures adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances. Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.