Chemist

Associate Analytical Chemist – Contaminants

This role focuses on analytical chemistry testing for food and dietary supplements, with a primary emphasis on contaminants analysis using LC-MS instrumentation. The Associate Analytical Chemist prepares samples, performs extractions and dilutions, and runs high-volume assays in a fast-paced, production-style laboratory environment. The position offers strong growth potential, cross-team mobility, and opportunities to develop expertise across a broad portfolio of food chemistry tests.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sample dilutions and analytical standards for routine and specialized assays.
• Perform solid phase extraction (SPE) procedures to isolate and concentrate analytes for LC-MS analysis.
• Train on and operate at least one LC-based assay, with LC-MS instrumentation as a primary technical focus.
• Conduct sample preparation and extraction for LC-MS methods and either run the LC-MS assays directly or provide technical support for LC-MS workflows.
• Run a high-volume creatine assay, including preparing dilutions and monitoring temperature-sensitive conditions to ensure accurate results.
• Apply aseptic technique and good laboratory practices to maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, production-oriented laboratory to complete testing within established client time frames.
• Follow established protocols and standard operating procedures for food and dietary supplement testing, including contaminants and nutritional analyses.
• Use laboratory instrumentation such as UPLC, HPLC, GC, and LC-MS technologies as needed within the testing portfolio.
• Support testing related to vitamins, minerals, contaminants, pesticides, shelf-life studies, and specialized products such as infant formula, sole-source nutrition products, hemp and CBD, dietary supplements, and botanicals.
• Adapt to changes in assay methods and workflows, particularly for the creatine assay, and respond positively to direction and feedback.
• Document laboratory activities accurately and maintain organized records in accordance with laboratory and ISO-accredited quality standards.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet daily batch and testing goals while maintaining high-quality results.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by being flexible, open to learning new techniques, and willing to move between teams if needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related life science or STEM field, ideally including coursework in analytical chemistry.
• 0–1 year of hands-on chemistry laboratory experience, which may include academic or industrial lab work.
• Foundational knowledge in biology, microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
• Experience or training in aseptic technique and good laboratory practices.
• Ability to prepare accurate dilutions and standards for analytical assays.
• Capacity to follow detailed laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Willingness and ability to train on LC-based assays and support LC-MS instrumentation as a primary technical focus.
• Strong adaptability and focus, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, production-like environment.
• Openness to feedback and direction, with the resilience to handle frequent changes in assay conditions and methods.
• Reliable work ethic and commitment to completing assigned tasks and meeting testing deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and an outgoing, collaborative approach to working in a large laboratory team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Any experience with HPLC, GC, or LC-MS instrumentation is a plus.
• Previous experience in a laboratory setting or food service environment is beneficial.
• Background in microbiology and aseptic technique is advantageous for handling food and dietary supplement samples.
• Demonstrated flexibility to move between different assay groups or teams as business needs evolve.
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy in repetitive tasks while meeting productivity expectations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern ISO-accredited laboratory located in Madison, WI, dedicated to food chemistry testing. The facility…