What are the responsibilities and job description for the ANALYTICAL CHEMIST FORMULATION position at ALLEN FLAVORS INC?
ANALYTICAL CHEMIST - FORMULATION
We are seeking a highly skilled Analytical Chemist – Formulation to support the characterization, testing, and component-level identification and reconstitution of complex flavor systems using advanced analytical instrumentation. Reporting to the Director of Quality, with a dotted-line relationship to the VP of Product Development, this role applies chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to identify, quantify, and replicate flavor ingredients and finished products while collaborating closely with Quality, Flavorists, R&D, and Product Development teams.
This is an exciting opportunity to work cross-functionally on products where precision matters—and where the results are something people actually enjoy every day. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and experience working with complex flavor matrices in a laboratory environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze flavor formulations and raw materials using advanced instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy
- Develop and execute analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative characterization of flavor compounds
- Perform reverse engineering and formulation duplication projects by identifying key components and their concentrations
- Interpret chromatographic, mass spectral, and spectroscopic data to support flavor matching and product development
- Prepare samples, standards, and calibration solutions in accordance with established laboratory procedures
- Generate detailed analytical reports, technical summaries, and data-driven recommendations
- Collaborate with Quality, Flavorists, R&D, and product development teams to optimize and replicate flavor profiles
- Troubleshoot analytical instruments and oversee routine maintenance, calibration, and performance verification
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, ensuring data integrity and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to analytical methods, workflows, and laboratory efficiency
- Evaluate new analytical technologies and methodologies applicable to flavor analysis and formulation development
- Assist Quality Control in identifying root causes of non-conformances requiring analytical investigation
- Maintain retained samples from duplication projects in accordance with company standards
- Share responsibility for laboratory equipment upkeep, including coordination of preventive maintenance and external service providers
- Support complaint investigations as needed
- Provide backup support for alcohol content testing on TTB-approved formulations and monitor formulas annually
- Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Comply with company quality programs, including HACCP, NSF, SQF, Food Safety, and Food Defense
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) preferred
Experience
- 5–7 years of analytical laboratory experience, preferably within the flavor, fragrance, food, beverage, or consumer products industries
- Hands-on experience with:
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis)
- Experience in flavor formulation analysis, ingredient identification, and product matching is highly desirable
Required Skills
- Strong understanding of chromatographic separation techniques and mass spectrometry
- Proficiency in spectral interpretation and compound identification
- Experience with analytical software, data processing, and statistical analysis
- Knowledge of flavor chemistry, aroma compounds, and ingredient functionality
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with sensory evaluation and correlation of analytical data to sensory attributes
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements relevant to food and flavor ingredients
- Experience with method development, validation, and laboratory quality systems (ISO, GMP, GLP)
Salary : $85,000 - $100,000