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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Food Testing Analyst

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Quality AssuranceFood ScienceLaboratoryScientific Research

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the science behind our food? As a Food Testing Analyst, you will be the guardian of quality and safety, playing a critical role in protecting consumer health and upholding brand integrity. You'll work at the intersection of chemistry, microbiology, and food science, utilizing advanced analytical techniques to ensure that every product meets stringent regulatory and company standards. This position requires a meticulous, data-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced laboratory environment and is committed to scientific excellence. You are not just testing samples; you are ensuring trust from farm to fork.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Quality Control Intern or Co-op
  • Recent Graduate (Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Food Testing Analyst / Food Chemist
  • Laboratory Supervisor or Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Development Scientist
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Supplier Quality Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform a wide range of complex chemical, microbiological, and physical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished food products.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC/GC-MS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-MS).
  • Accurately prepare and process samples for various testing procedures, including dilutions, extractions, and digestions, following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Conduct microbiological testing for pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) and indicator organisms using both traditional plating and rapid methods like PCR.
  • Analyze food products for nutritional content, allergens, contaminants, pesticides, heavy metals, and adulterants to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Meticulously document all test results, observations, and procedural deviations in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with high accuracy and integrity.
  • Investigate and document out-of-specification (OOS) or non-conforming results, collaborating with the quality team to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Develop, validate, and optimize new analytical methods to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and scope.
  • Adhere strictly to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), safety protocols, and quality management systems such as ISO/IEC 17025.
  • Perform environmental monitoring of the production facility, including swabbing surfaces, collecting air samples, and testing water to ensure a hygienic manufacturing environment.
  • Execute sensory evaluations and organoleptic testing to assess product characteristics like flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance against quality benchmarks.
  • Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on analytical instruments to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
  • Participate actively in internal, third-party, and regulatory audits (e.g., FDA, USDA) by providing documentation and explaining laboratory procedures.
  • Manage the inventory of laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables, ensuring adequate stock levels and proper storage.

Secondary Functions

  • Author, review, and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and other controlled laboratory documents.
  • Train and mentor junior analysts and laboratory technicians on test methods, instrumentation, and safety protocols.
  • Participate in proficiency testing programs to validate the laboratory's analytical capabilities and ensure the accuracy of results.
  • Collaborate with Research & Development (R&D) and production teams by providing analytical support for new product development, ingredient qualification, and process improvements.
  • Support the sample management process, including sample log-in, storage, retention, and proper disposal in accordance with company and regulatory policies.
  • Generate and interpret statistical data from test results to identify trends, process variations, and areas for quality improvement.
  • Assist in special projects as assigned by laboratory management, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the quality department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Analytical Instrumentation: Hands-on proficiency with advanced laboratory equipment such as HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, FT-IR, and PCR systems.
  • Microbiological Techniques: Expertise in aseptic techniques, microbial enumeration, pathogen detection, and media preparation.
  • LIMS Proficiency: Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for sample tracking, data entry, and reporting.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of food safety regulations and standards, including FDA, USDA, FSMA, and GFSI schemes (SQF, BRC).
  • Quality Systems: In-depth knowledge of GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and quality standards like ISO/IEC 17025.
  • Method Validation: Proven ability to develop, validate, and troubleshoot analytical test methods.
  • Data Analysis: Competency in using software like Microsoft Excel for data analysis, trend identification, and creating reports.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Ability to perform complex tasks with precision and accuracy, ensuring data integrity.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to investigate discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and perform root cause analysis.
  • Time Management & Organization: Excellent ability to manage multiple priorities, handle a high volume of samples, and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for documenting results, writing reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a technical team.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Food Science
  • Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in a quality control laboratory within the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or environmental testing industry.

Preferred:

  • Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory is highly desirable.
  • Prior experience with method development, validation, and instrumentation troubleshooting is a significant plus.
  • Demonstrable experience participating in regulatory and third-party audits.
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