Job Description
Eurofins Scientific, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Food Product Testing Specialist to join our team in Des Moines, IA. In this role, you will provide advanced technical leadership in the oversight, development, and optimization of food product testing operations. You will leverage your expertise in analytical chemistry to ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and regulatory compliance across testing programs, while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a primarily remote environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide technical leadership in the development, validation, verification, and transfer of analytical methods for food testing, including chemical contaminants, residues, and nutritional analyses.
• Critically evaluate complex analytical datasets (e.g., chromatographic and mass spectrometric data), ensuring scientific validity, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards.
•Collaborate with intercompany facilities to manage client product testing and timely delivery of results [major US site locations: California, Iowa, New Orleans, Wisconsin]
• Review and interpret data generated from advanced instrumentation (HPLC, GC, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS), identifying trends, anomalies, and potential sources of error..
• Lead and support complex investigations (OOS/OOT), applying root cause analysis methodologies and implementing scientifically justified corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting support by diagnosing method, instrumentation, or matrix-related issues in collaboration with on-site laboratory teams.
• Oversee method transfer and comparability studies, ensuring reproducibility and alignment across laboratories and client requirements.
• Develop and review technical documentation including validation protocols, study reports, risk assessments, and scientific justifications.
• Ensure data integrity through rigorous review of electronic records, audit trails, and compliance with regulatory expectations (e.g., ISO, HACCP, GMP where applicable).
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and regulatory teams to support audits, inspections, and responses to regulatory inquiries.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert (SME) for analytical chemistry within food testing operations, supporting internal teams and client engagements.
• Provide advanced training and mentorship to laboratory and junior staff on analytical techniques, data interpretation, and scientific best practices.
• Liaise with clients to provide high-level technical consultation, interpret results, and support method selection or problem-solving efforts.
• Stay current with emerging analytical technologies, instrumentation, and regulatory developments relevant to food safety and testing.
• Support operational strategy by identifying opportunities for process optimization, efficiency gains, and scientific innovation.
•Track and manage change requests from internal and external sources
•Assisting with logistics for timely sending and receiving samples, ensuring proper tracking and handling customs matters (FDA compliance)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (+ 5 years’ experience) or Master’s degree (+1 year experience) in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Food Science, or a closely related scientific discipline
• 5-10 years of experience in analytical laboratory environments
• Advanced expertise in chromatographic and spectrometric techniques (HPLC, GC, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, or similar)
• Strong understanding of method development, validation, and lifecycle management
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory and quality standards (ISO, HACCP, GMP/GLP as applicable)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex analytical data and solve technical challenges
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data evaluation tools
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team-oriented environment
• Strong organizational and project management skills
Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic data integrity principles
• Experience supporting audits and regulatory inspections
• Knowledge of food chemistry, contaminants, and regulatory limits
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• This position is primarily remote, involving advanced data analysis, technical review, and virtual collaboration.
• Occasional on-site presence may be required for critical investigations, audits, or method transfer activities.
• Extended periods of computer-based work, including data evaluation and report writing.
• Flexibility to accommodate project timelines, cross-functional collaboration, and occasional extended hours.
• Work is conducted in a secure digital environment to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Additional Information
What we offer:
Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.