Food Analytical Scientist Tech

Company Description

Great Plains Analytical Laboratory (GPAL) is a trusted provider of comprehensive testing services for the food and feed industries. The business partners with sectors including food manufacturing, grain, milling, baking, pet food production, meat processing, and nutraceuticals. GPAL specializes in food and product testing through its cereal lab, bake lab, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and microbiology services. As a privately owned company, GPAL emphasizes high-quality services, exceptional customer support, and direct access to experienced professionals.

The Food Analytical Scientist/Chemist Technologist is responsible for performing a variety of complex tests to obtain information on the chemistry of food matrices. This is a hands-on position with engagement in analytical work and data analysis, including data collection, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting. This position requires an individual with deep hands-on experience in a variety of analytical instrumentation and techniques. 

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Food Analytical Scientist, located in Kansas City, MO. The Food Analytical Scientist will perform sample preparation, conduct analytical testing of food and feed products, operate laboratory instrumentation, and interpret data. The role involves

Qualifications

·      Performs sample preparation, extraction, digestion and analysis on both routine and complex matrixes.

·      Ability to understand, and implement validated analytical methods concepts through AOAC, USP, and AACC.

·      Operates, maintains and troubles a wide range of analytical instrumentation, including but not limited to HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS and ICP, and mass spectrometry.

·      Understands cause and effect relationships related to sample preparation procedures and instrumental parameters to critically evaluate results.

·      Assist the analytical chemistry group in completing testing. Completes analytical testing in a broad range of areas when associates are on vacation or out of the lab. 

·       Collaborate with Quality, IT, Sales/Marketing, and Customer Service

·       Prepares samples using a variety of sample extraction and clean up techniques. 

·   Maintains a clean and orderly laboratory.  Maintains and troubleshoots analytical equipment issues. Performs preventative maintenance on instrumentation as needed.

·       Maintains accurate records and complies with Quality policy.

·      Embraces change through continuous improvement. Drives lab operations efficiencies to exceed customer expectations and reduce operating costs.

·       Complies with safety regulations and guidelines.

·       Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience:         Bachelor's degree in chemistry/analytical chemistry with 5 years of relevant experience, or master degree with at least 3 years of related experience. Must have method development experience.

Skills:                Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, able to handle multiple tasks, capable of prioritizing and planning work activities, excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness. Must be able to work with others, and/or independently as needed. Must lead by example. Must be proficient in the use of PC’s, databases, Microsoft windows applications including Excel, Word and Outlook. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.