Senior R&D Chemist

Certified Group is a leading North American food testing and analytical services company with a mission to deliver food quality, safety, security, and sustainability. We are putting together a team of our next‑generation R&D Center of Excellence, designed to transform Certified into a technical partner for high‑growth, innovation‑driven clients.

This role is pivotal to our vision—unlocking new revenue streams, accelerating method development, and positioning Certified as a problem‑solving collaborator in the food and nutraceutical industries.

• Lead method development and validation for complex analytical targets (e.g., pesticides, PFAS, veterinary residues, vitamins, allergens, preservatives) in diverse food matrices.
• Design and execute studies using LC‑MS/MS, GC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS, automated sample preparation platforms; and AI‑powered process optimization
• Act as the technical bridge between operations, R&D, and client innovation teams—consulting on custom analytical challenges.
• Develop and implement rapid, high‑ROI methods aligned with Certified Group's strategic focus (e.g., plant‑based food, pet foods, dairy, clean‑label products, sustainability analytics).
• Contribute to regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA, ISO 17025) through SOP authorship, method transfer documentation, and validation reports.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with QA, marketing, and business development to define service offerings.
• Support the incubation and transfer of new methods to operational labs (Aurora, Melville, San Antonio, etc.) with hands‑on training and handover protocols.
• Evaluate and pilot new technologies (e.g., microwave extraction, CEM/NMR, AI‑powered data tools).

Required:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in R&D or applied analytical chemistry (food, pharma, or biotech)
• Deep expertise in LC‑MS/MS and GC‑MS/MS method development and troubleshooting
• Proven experience with regulatory methods (FDA, USDA, AOAC, ISO) and quality systems (GLP/GMP/GDP)
• Demonstrated ability to work across diverse matrices (fats/oils, proteins, supplements, plant‑based foods)
• Strong track record of scientific publications, presentations, or patents
• Ability to lead cross‑functional R&D projects with internal and external stakeholders

Preferred:

• Experience with automated sample prep platforms (SPE, QuEChERS, MW digestion, CEM, ANKOM, etc.)
• Familiarity with IRR, ROI, EBITDA concepts and how analytical methods impact business KPIs
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and lead training during method transfer
• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Holidays and Time Off
• Many positions which qualify for the company bonus program

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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