Lab Chemist en T. Marzetti Company

The Chemist will play a key role in supporting the Innovation Center and broader organization by leading and executing analytical testing programs that drive product quality, shelf-life optimization, and continuous improvement in method standardization. This role will support new product development, R&D initiatives, and manufacturing operations through expertise in food chemistry, method development, and data interpretation. The chemist will also champion analytical proficiency testing across manufacturing sites and ensure standardized best practices across the company.

Analytical Testing & Program Management

· Conduct chemical testing as part of shelf-life studies and coordinate supporting activities—such as sensory and microbiological testing—with relevant internal teams. Oversee the generation, organization, and storage of all completed shelf-life study reports and related documentation.

· Own and manage the buffering capacity program, ensuring accurate and timely testing for formulation optimization.

· Provide routine and non-routine analytical support to R&D and manufacturing facilities.

Standardization & Continuous Improvement

· Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in analytical test methodologies and lab operations.

· Develop and maintain standardized test methods, including SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and OPLs (One Point Lessons), to ensure consistency across company laboratories.

· Evaluate and recommend new technologies, equipment, or automation to improve accuracy, efficiency, and data management.

Proficiency Testing & Training

· Design and lead the analytical proficiency testing program across all manufacturing facilities to assess and elevate lab performance.

· Act as a subject matter expert (SME) and technical resource for laboratory practices company wide.

· Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to support facility lab troubleshooting and training needs.

Method Development & Innovation Support

· Develop, validate, and implement new analytical methods to support new product launches and formulation changes.

· Identify, evaluate, and recommend standardized analytical equipment to ensure consistency, reliability, and comparability of test results across the Innovation Center and all manufacturing facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align on equipment specifications, support validation and calibration protocols, and drive adoption of harmonized analytical tools that enhance data integrity and operational efficiency.

· Assist in establishing lab readiness for innovative or reformulated products.

· Ensure all new methods meet regulatory, quality, customer, and safety standards.

Data Management & Reporting

· Maintain accurate records of test results and ensure compliance with internal data integrity protocols.

· Support data interpretation and provide actionable insights to cross-functional teams.

· Manage analytical data systems or tools to track trends and support root cause analysis.

Working Conditions/Environment:

Works in a normal lab environment where the employee is regularly required to speak, see, hear, sit, stand, talk, type, walk and bend while moving about the facility. The noise level in the office is quiet. Occasional travel to plants or meetings is required.

· Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with minimum 2 years of analytical lab or equivalent experience or master’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field .

· Strong understanding of food chemistry, shelf-life testing, and analytical method validation.

· Experience with common analytical instruments (e.g., titrators, pH meters, spectrophotometers, HPLC, GC) and data systems.

· Proficient in Microsoft Excel and LIMS or other lab data systems.

· Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

· Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

· Authorization to work in the United States without restriction or sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Masters in a relevant scientific field.

· Experience in food, pharmaceutical, or environmental laboratory settings.

· Practical experience working within ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory environments; familiarity with other standards like HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, FSMA, or BRC is a strong advantage.

· Certification in quality or laboratory management (e.g., ASQ, Six Sigma, CLSI) is a plus

· Strong skills in technical writing, data analysis, and laboratory investigations.

· Demonstrated ethical decision-making, adaptability, and a high level of self-motivation.

· Ability to lead and contribute to laboratory audits, accreditations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· In-depth understanding of buffer capacity models, acid-base equilibrium in complex food matrices, and practical application of titration data for regulatory and product development work.

· Ability to interpret and model complex pH interactions when formulating or analyzing acidified foods, especially to maintain regulatory compliance (e.g., pH below 4.6 for acidified foods per US regulations)

· Customer Focus · Decision Quality · Builds Effective Teams · Collaborates · Drives Results · Plans and Aligns · Manages Ambiguity · Courage