Associate Analytical Chemist / Associate Scientist

at ICONMA, LLC in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Associate Analytical Chemist / Associate Scientist Location: Chicago, IL Duration: 3 months with possible extension Description: – This Associate Scientist (contractor) role supports Analytical Science operations for the client Snacking Global Analytical Science team – This position requires attention to detail and execution follow through to deliver excellence in fundamental analytical services. This role will be called upon to support problem solving/issue resolution and workflow bottlenecks to ensure customer commitments are delivered on time and in full. Key Responsibilities: – Functional operations and technical proficiency Responsible for on time and in full execution of laboratory responsibilities such as sample management, performing assigned analytical methods, recording data and observations in electronic lab notebook and LIMS, preparing data reports, and working with Associates to analyze data for insights. Performs all assigned method and chemistry techniques with minimal supervision upon training completion. – Supports preventative maintenance program & lab hygiene protocols, adhering to Quality Management Process (QMP), HSE and Good Lab Practices compliance – May be called upon to support projects spanning shelf-life studies, troubleshooting and continuous improvement, QMP compliance. Minimum Requirements – B.S. in Chemistry or related degree with 0-4 years’ experience working in an analytical laboratory in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or related industry – Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to work in compliance to Good Laboratory Practices and standards Preferred Qualifications – Food, beverage, and/or confections industry experience – Experience performing analytical method protocols while working in compliance to quality standards and HSE protocols – Experience with any of the following Analytical Methods and techniques: – Wet chemistry, including titrations, pH, moisture analysis – Chromatography, including HPLC, GC, IC, GPC – Material and physical characterization methods, including rheology, texture, particle size, and differential scanning calorimetry – Imaging science, including optical microscopy, x-ray tomography and/or scanning electron microscopy – Strong written and verbal communication skills, problem solving, organizational and time management skills, and customer focus. Team structure: There are 8 Associate Scientists/Scientists on the team. This position reports to the Manager Analytical Science Departments function: We support R&D Innovation, Science and Technology, Quality & Food Safety. We provide analytical and technical support for R&D programs to enable quality growth, value leadership, and sustainability. Any specific industry experience required: Prefer food, beverage, and/or confections industry experience. Top 3 contributes this contractor will make to the company within their first 90 or 120 days: Provide critical data on multiple methods/instruments. Engage with the team collaborate on projects/samples. Bring ideas for continuous improvement. What is the relationship this role has to other lines of business within the organization? We collaborate and provide critical data to projects across R&D. Must-haves: Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to work in compliance to Good Laboratory Practices and standards. No industry experience is required if they have done research during university. We need someone that has some lab experience. What software should your contractor be proficient in: Microsoft Excel, preferably proficient Microsoft Office tools (Teams, Word, PowerPoint). They will learn our LIMS and electronic lab notebook systems to record data (no paper lab notebooks). Deal breakers: – Someone that does not take safety seriously safety is non-negotiable in our labs. – Someone that prefers to work alone the team continuously communicates and collaborates due to the multiple projects we support – Someone that will not help with lab upkeep everyone contributes to keeping the lab clean, disposing old samples, doing dishes (mainly with dishwasher) Education on requirements: Minimum B.S. in Chemistry or related science degree Additional information: We prefer someone that can quickly learn new methods according to our standards, and then independently perform those methods. We have set deadlines for some of our tests and need someone that can complete their assigned work within given timelines.