Scientist II, Analytical Chemistry

You may know McCormick as a leader in herbs, spices, seasonings, and condiments – and we’re only getting started. At McCormick, we’re always looking for new people to bring their unique flavor to our team.

McCormick employees – all 14,000 of us across the world – are what makes this company a great place to work.

We are looking to hire a Scientist II, Analytical Chemistry immediately at our McFONA site in Geneva, IL.

What We Bring To The Table:

The best people deserve the best rewards. In addition to the benefits you’d expect from a global leader (401k, health insurance, paid time off, etc.) we also offer:

• Competitive compensation

• Career growth opportunities

• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices

• We prioritize our communities and the planet we share. We are proud to be awarded as a Diversity Inc. Top 50 company for Diversity and have multiple Sustainability awards (ranking #22 in the World and #1 in Food Products)

• Wellbeing programs including Physical, Mental and Financial wellness

• Tuition assistance

Position Overview: 

The Analytical Chemist is primarily responsible for the analysis of food and flavor samples using LC, GC, and other instrumentation to meet the analytical needs of all Business Units, Research & Innovation, and non-routine Quality Control. This position assists in the development and implementation of methods to meet the analytical needs of the all internal and external customers.  This position also helps to build technical credibility with external customers through project interaction. Due to the high volume of requests and customers served, this position requires urgency, flexibility, and responsiveness. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Project Completion/Sample Analysis – Consistent and accurate performance of methods related to the analysis of flavors and food ingredients in support of Business Units, Quality Control, and Research and Innovation. Assists in coordination of sample testing with outside lab vendors, where appropriate. Assists with coordination of analysis schedule for all samples submitted for analysis as needed. Assists in communication with internal customers with regards to their analytical needs, project priority, sample priority, timeline for analysis, and project timelines. Generates thorough, accurate and timely reports for technical and non-technical customers, often involving large amounts of data. Maintains detailed and thorough record of analytical data, from sample preparation through the generation of analytical reports for all samples tested.
• Analytical Methods – Consistent and accurate performance of routine analytical methods and assays. Carries out proper and timely implementation of new analytical methods, as directed by Sr. Analytical Chemist, according the needs of our internal and external customers.  Carries out research projects in the area of Analytical Chemistry, as directed by Sr. Analytical Chemist. Assist Sr. Analytical Chemist with establishing and implementing standard operating procedures for routine lab analyses and training more junior chemists and other technical staff on proper analytical procedures. Troubleshooting analytical methods when problems arise, consulting Sr. Analytical Chemist as necessary. Creates products and provides ability to goldmine analytical data.
• Communication/Reporting – Communicates with fellow Analytical Services staff on scheduling shared resources (e.g. instrument time) to ensure samples are completed in order of priority, as determined by Sr. Analytical Chemist. Communicates complex technical information clearly, both written and spoken. Answers specific questions regarding analytical reports clearly and accurately, directing to Sr. Analytical Chemist as needed. Collates large amounts of detailed information into accurate, clear, and understandable reports for technical and non-technical (internal and external) customers. Contributes to technical training for all RG technical personnel and customers, as appropriate. Participates in peer review to ensure credibility of results.
• Lab Maintenance – All members of the Analytical Services team are responsible for maintaining a clean and efficient laboratory environment. Maintains the stock of lab supplies in the necessary locations in the lab. Orders stock lab supplies through Purchasing when necessary. Keeps lab areas, equipment and glassware clean and organized. Maintains proficiency in proper chemical hygiene training.
• Instrument Maintenance – Performs routine and non-routine maintenance on Gerstel equipment, GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC-DAD/ELSD, UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS, and other instrumentation, as needed. Keeps accurate records of maintenance performed. Assists with troubleshooting instruments when problems arise.
• Culture and Development - Actively participates in sensory panels both formal and informal in support of customer projects. Continuously supports the development of Flavor University initiatives for customer specific and general educational presentations. Actively participates in industry associations relevant to the analytical professional organizations or flavor industry.  Actively demonstrates willing, able, growing attitude, future potential, financially contributing, and commitment to FONA. Continually grows and develops through continuing education courses and learning opportunities offered through FONA and outside professional organizations.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from a 4-year College, University or equivalent related experience and/or training; certification in analytical chemistry or related from an accredited program
• 2-5 years flavor analysis/chromatography related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong analytical and wet chemistry skills required.  Exposure to instrumentation such as GC and LC coupled with mass spectrometry in either academic or employment setting. Experience with thermal desorption sampling is a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding of the working principles (theoretical chemistry) behind analytical methods performed.
• Possess analytical skills to discern/diagnose trends and troubleshoot technical problems including chemistry and instrumentation problems and uses past historical references as a guide.
• Must understand the appropriate level of urgency based on the needs of the customer and the alignment with FONA’s goals; must demonstrate urgency and responsiveness to address customer and business group needs expeditiously and effectively.
• The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining the ability to redirect efforts based upon shifting demands.
• Ability to collaborate and network with business colleagues to build constructive, proactive working relationships across the organization.
• Ability to effectively communicate (oral and written) technical information in an understandable fashion for business reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals and presentations, including responding to questions on information presented.
• Well-organized and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
• Strong computer skills, especially with spreadsheet and/or database software. Software proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with chromatography software, especially Chemstation, MassHunter, and Gerstel Maestro. Ability to work with all aforementioned tools without direction.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probably, statistics, and error analysis. Ability to proficiently and accurately calculate figures, perform dimensional analysis, identify proportions, percentages, frequency distribution, analysis variance, perform correlation techniques. Familiarity with sampling theory, area, circumference and volume (including algebra and geometry), trigonometry, calculus, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, principal component analysis.
• Ability to accurately perform routine data entry in a proficient manner, and data management auditing and review.
• Must understand material and equipment hazards and perform duties in a safe manner utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment
• Ability to work within teams in both leadership and supportive roles (project dependent)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and provide direction to more junior chemists.

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McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.