Analytical Research Excellence

Job Description

Role & Responsibilities

- Provide technical and quality oversight in chemistry and residue analysis of food and agricultural commodities; validate test results and collaborate proactively with staff and clients to ensure quality, accuracy, and efficiency in all laboratory processes.
- Implement routine testing methods for food, crops, feed, and ingredients, including analytical, microbial, and chemical techniques.
- Ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation requirements.
- Update and maintain the analytical lab quality system, including SOPs (APMs), ingredient specifications, and related documentation.
- Monitor laboratory processes closely to prevent deviations from SOPs and avoid fundamental changes in procedures.
- Maintain regular communication with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide clear information on testing methods and results.
- Oversee proficiency testing and internal quality control activities to ensure acceptable laboratory performance.
- Assign and coordinate maintenance of analytical testing equipment, ensuring proper documentation and calibration records.
- Enhance testing techniques to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scope of services, adding value for stakeholders and the company. Develop new testing methods based on business needs, including method validation and measurement uncertainty assessments.
- Provide comprehensive competitor insights for products identified by product development and brand teams, analyzing physical, chemical, microbial, and organoleptic properties.
- Establish key parameter benchmarks (MPVs) and communicate these effectively to the product development team.
- Set standards for innovative and competitor products using precision instruments, and relay benchmark parameters to the development team.
- Draft SOPs and standards for new precision instruments and capabilities, coordinating with internal R&D stakeholders to align processes.
- Lead shelf-life prediction studies for innovative and renovation products, working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders.
- Define secondary and tertiary parameters for ingredients to ensure quality and consistency across new and existing products in the AWL portfolio.
- Spearhead implementation of best research practices using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies at the AWL R&D center, liaising with internal stakeholders to establish standards and ensure timely project closure.
- Identify and lead key projects to develop measurement-guided action standards for product development, delivering science- and measurement-based solutions.
- Oversee the incorporation of key analysis techniques such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) in consultation with domain experts, product development, quality, and manufacturing teams.
- Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of development, deployment, and operational data sets to support informed decision-making.

Preferred Candidate Profile

- PhD or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field from Tier I/II institutions.
- Over 10 years of experience in FMCG (Food & Beverage or Home & Personal Care sectors), commercial testing laboratories, or nodal laboratories handling testing and calibration services.
- Proven track record in planning, executing, controlling, and closing multiple projects simultaneously with strong project management skills.
- Experience in maintenance and calibration of analytical equipment and incubators, adhering to ISO 17025 guidelines.
- Hands-on expertise with advanced analytical platforms such as GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MS, ICP-MS; strong skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis of objectionable compounds, elemental analysis, flavor compounds, and pesticide residues.
- Proficient in creating and maintaining project and program plans, including managing risks, actions, issues, and dependencies.
- Highly efficient in resource planning, task assignment, benefits and dependency mapping, and risk management.
- Advanced IT skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

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