Chemist

Company Background: Farmina is nature and science in perfect harmony. Our mission is to develop the best all-natural, nutritious, and scientifically validated food that dogs and cats will love. Farmina is an innovative Pet Nutrition Company focusing on servicing dog and cat pet parents to make the best personalized nutritional decisions for their pet's well-being while providing life changing solutions along the way.

We at Farmina firmly believe in our company motto: Happy pet. Happy you.

Position Purpose

The Chemist will conduct analytical testing and laboratory operations to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance in pet food manufacturing. This role requires strong expertise in classical wet chemistry, instrumental analysis, and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on nutritional, contaminant, and safety testing. The Chemist will serve as the technical expert, supporting method development, staff training, and implementation of advanced analytical instrumentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Minimum 5 years of laboratory experience in food, feed, or pet food testing with increasing responsibility.

Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques and operation of analytical instruments (NIR, spectrophotometer, ICP, UPLC).

Strong knowledge of nutritional, contaminant, and microbiological testing methods.

Must be able to cover other team members when they are out as they will for this position.

Experience with method development, validation, and regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to supervise and train laboratory staff.

Strong analytical problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred: HACCP certification and PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification.

Work Environment

Laboratory and production plant environment.

Must be able to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

Exposure to laboratory chemicals, heat, and standard lab hazards.

Key Responsibilities

Perform and oversee routine testing for ash, protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and peroxide values using traditional AOAC methods.

Conduct and validate testing using Soxhlet extraction, Kjeldahl analysis, fiber extraction, muffle furnace, titrations, and polarimetry.

Apply aseptic sampling techniques, incubation, autoclaving, and microbiological assays (including mycotoxin analysis and VIDAS).

Operate and maintain advanced laboratory equipment such as NIR spectrometer, ICP-AES, and UPLC systems.

Lead implementation of ICP-AES for heavy metals and mineral analysis, and UPLC for vitamins and amino acid profiling.

Ensure laboratory practices comply with GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and FSMA guidelines.

Prepare, review, and approve test results, analytical reports, and Certificates of Analysis.

Train and mentor laboratory staff on methods, equipment, and regulatory requirements.

Investigate analytical deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective/preventive actions.

Support R&D and Quality Assurance teams with method validation, product formulation testing, and troubleshooting.

Maintain laboratory safety programs, calibration schedules, and inventory of reagents/standards.

Benefits:

Empower 401k

Hartford Company Paid AD&D

Hartford Voluntary AD&D

Hartford Voluntary Long-term Disability Insurance

Harford Voluntary Child Life

Hartford Short-term Disability Insurance

Colonial Life Critical Illness

Colonial Life Term Life

Colonial Life Whole Life

Health FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Colonial Medical Bridge

Colonial Accident

Harford Voluntary Life Dependents

Hartford Voluntary AD&D Dependents

Hospital Indemnity

NYC Commuter Benefits

Employee Pet Food Discounts

Paid Maternity Time Off

Paid Paternity Time Off

Paid Adoption Time Off

Pet Wellness Insurance

Pet Accident and Illness Insurance

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

Farmina is An Equal Opportunity Employe