Senior Scientist

Certified Group is committed to delivering expert solutions and quality testing our customers can feel confident in - on time, every time - so the world can trust in what it consumes. As a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services, Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), FSNS Certification & Audit, Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, and Labstat International Inc. Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

We have embarked on an important journey to unify and strengthen our culture by living these core values: Start with the Customer, Drive to Deliver, Commit to Safety and Quality, and Believe in the Team - including believing in you.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Scientist applies scientific expertise in the areas of interest to the laboratory to enhance technical capabilities, assess new methods, technologies and opportunities, in contexts including routine work, new work, troubleshooting of technical problems and strategic planning. The role covers the range from establishing new capabilities in the laboratory to serving as a consultant to departments and company management on all scientific issues.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain wide-ranging scientific knowledge in areas of interest to the laboratory
• Identify and evaluate new methods, techniques, technologies and opportunities to allow for timely planning and decisions
• Develop executable protocols for introduction of new methods and techniques
• When necessary, provide the hands-on technical laboratory skills relevant for complex or demanding operations
• Identify and evaluate opportunities, techniques and technologies for effective automation of laboratory processes
• Participate in addressing scientific and quantitative issues related to corporate QC/QA requirements. Provide scientific and quantitative clarity in addressing and solving problems within the laboratory
• Establish processes to provide a corporate memory of the scientific basis for producing work of high quality with the methods used in the laboratory
• Contribute to design and development of consistent documentation of laboratory processes (eg SOPs)
• Contribute to design and development of consistent and efficient presentation and reporting of results (eg in regulatory packages)
• Contribute expertise in laboratory techniques towards training of the staff
• Provide leadership in Method Development, Extractions, Validation, Calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance of instruments that are critical to the operation.
• Other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in science discipline (Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or related field), prefer PhD.
• Seven to ten years of related lab experience in the food and feed industry.
• Strong knowledge of International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• Proven ability to interpret and explain FDA/USDA/ASTA policies and regulations.
• Knowledgeable on project management skills, organizational concepts, written and presentation knowledge of Windows-based software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Wide-ranging experience and expertise in either chemical and microbiological analysis of foods.
• Sufficient knowledge of the "other" disciplines to allow effective participation in technical development using good science.
• Sufficient conceptual strength to embrace new methods, techniques and technologies effectively.
• Enthusiastic acceptance of the challenge of new science and technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
• Ensure efficiency of department.
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud.
• Temperature varies from hot to cold.
• Interactive and fast-paced team-oriented tasks.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

BENEFITS:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off
• Many positions which qualify for the company bonus program

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.