Senior R&D Chemist

Certified Group is a leading North American food testing and analytical services company with a mission to deliver food quality, safety, security, and sustainability. We are putting together a team of our next-generation R&D Center of Excellence, designed to transform Certified into a technical partner for high-growth, innovation-driven clients.

This role is pivotal to our vision-unlocking new revenue streams, accelerating method development, and positioning Certified as a problem-solving collaborator in the food and nutraceutical industries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead method development and validation for complex analytical targets (e.g., pesticides, PFAS, veterinary residues, vitamins, allergens, preservatives) in diverse food matrices.
• Design and execute studies using LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, automated sample preparation platforms; and AI-powered process optimization
• Act as the technical bridge between operations, R&D, and client innovation teams-consulting on custom analytical challenges.
• Develop and implement rapid, high-ROI methods aligned with Certified Group's strategic focus (e.g., plant-based food, pet foods, dairy, clean-label products, sustainability analytics).
• Contribute to regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA, ISO 17025) through SOP authorship, method transfer documentation, and validation reports.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with QA, marketing, and business development to define service offerings.
• Support the incubation and transfer of new methods to operational labs (Aurora, Melville, San Antonio, etc.) with hands-on training and handover protocols.
• Evaluate and pilot new technologies (e.g., microwave extraction, CEM/NMR, AI-powered data tools).

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in R&D or applied analytical chemistry (food, pharma, or biotech)
• Deep expertise in LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS method development and troubleshooting
• Proven experience with regulatory methods (FDA, USDA, AOAC, ISO) and quality systems (GLP/GMP/GDP)
• Demonstrated ability to work across diverse matrices (fats/oils, proteins, supplements, plant-based foods)
• Strong track record of scientific publications, presentations, or patents
• Ability to lead cross-functional R&D projects with internal and external stakeholders

Preferred:

• Experience with automated sample prep platforms (SPE, QuEChERS, MW digestion, CEM, ANKOM, etc.)
• Familiarity with IRR, ROI, EBITDA concepts and how analytical methods impact business KPIs
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and lead training during method transfer

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.