Senior Quality Analyst - QC

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Analyst to develop, implement, and oversee quality control lab efforts. This role involves both tactical and strategic responsibilities, including deep data analysis and reporting. The Senior Analyst will work onsite in our lab, regularly visit the production floor, and engage in disciplines such as sensory analysis, chemistry, microbiology, and/or microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements lab strategies and testing to ensure products are tested and compliant with regulatory and internal standards.
• Build strong test plans, including sampling plans to ensure both safety and quality of incoming, processed, and finished goods.
• Present confidently in front of leadership and outside agencies, including regulatory bodies.
• Understand, maintain, improve, and update all technical systems in the lab, including LIMS, specification systems, and testing equipment.
• Represent Quality Control within cross-functional teams, including New Product Teams.
• Play a critical role in assuring product safety, quality, continuous improvement, and assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems.
• Develop and validate methods, GLPs, and SOPs.
• Lead projects related to laboratory optimization, functionality, test methods, and method validation.
• Understand and adhere to current ISO, USP, AOAC, and/or FDA guidance and standards for method validation.
• Conduct research effectively by maintaining accurate records of experiments and testing, conducting literature searches, and staying updated on current methods of experimentation.
• Maintain knowledge of design of experiments, statistical analysis, and method development/validation for quality control and authenticity evaluations of herbs, spices, dietary supplements, and food ingredients.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment and instruments (e.g., Ro-tap, pipettes, balances, pH meters, HPLC, IR spectrometer, GC). Daily duties may include running instruments and sample testing.
• Research and defend specifications/procedures by reviewing reference materials (books, trade journals, scientific papers, and published methods such as ASTA, AHPH, AFNOR, and ISO).
• Train and mentor team members on relevant techniques, including instrument use, business practices, method development, and SOPs.
• Research product attributes in reference books, trade journals, and scientific publications.
• Interact with departmental and interdepartmental personnel to resolve product issues.
• Provide functional supervision for approximately 10% of the time by directing the work activity of other employees (though not responsible for hiring, termination, evaluation, pay decisions, or corrective action).
• Take responsibility for safety within the department, actively assess hazards, and find solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BS in biology, chemistry, food science, or a related field from a four-year college or university; and 4 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Background experience working with spices, botanicals, or herbs is beneficial.
• Thorough understanding of ISO 17025, including implementation and maintenance.
• Continuous requirement to be a non-tobacco user and avoid personal use of perfumes, scents, or fragrances while on the job.

Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend detailed instructions, correspondence, reports, and memos.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively with a variety of people and respond to basic questions with courtesy and tact.
• Confidence to present to all levels of the organization, customers, and suppliers.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work independently with critical thinking and minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding and application of good laboratory practices (GLPs).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work within a professional and functional team concept.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, database, and LIMS software.
• Ability to navigate and utilize web-based applications.
• Ability to maintain a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to type, handle, or feel, and taste or smell.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and view a computer monitor or video display.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and color vision, necessary to evaluate products effectively.

Work Environment

• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.