Analytical & Sensory Laboratory Specialist

Description

:

Leads the validation, calibration, and standardization of analytical methods and equipment across EU laboratories, ensuring MSA, FT-IR/NIR, and LIMS integration. Develops and implements the Corporate Sensory Evaluation Program, building panel expertise and sensory training (Train-the-Trainer).
Drives analytical and sensory data integrity, capability, and continuous improvement through harmonized workflows and corporate ring tests. Participate in Quality reporting, designed to be applied across different product categories and parameters. The position requires the generation of accurate, precise, and defensible data while fostering a culture of laboratory and sensory excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the validation of Laboratory methods (MSA_ gage R&R %Study) and calibration programs

• Standardization of analytical methods, equipment, processes and SOPs for EU program efforts

• Review and standardize instrument calibration and maintenance processes (NIR, FTIR, others). Implement FT-IR/NIR calibration and maintenance workflows directly in LIMS

• Build a Corporate ring test FT-IR/NIR program to validate analytical competence

• Establish and sustain analytical training to effectively improve competence and productivity

• Supports LIMS workflows, data integrity processes and development and implementation of KPIs to support laboratory management

• Design and implement an EU Sensory Evaluation Program

• Enhance and potentiate sensory evaluation skills of the partners involved in EU plants. Empower local teams to independently conduct sensory tests, including triangular tests, similarity and difference tests, preference tests

• Define and execute a sensory training program. Train-the-Trainer Program. Develop and execute a sensory training program to improve current QA grading practices

• Develop, validate and maintain panels of trained experts for key products/projects in different locations

• Provides valuable insights into product development and marketing strategies. Enhance consumer preference studies

• Lead root cause investigations for analytical/sensory deviations and CAPAs

• Create a continuous improvement program in laboratory management utilizing EU standards

Key Ingredients:

• Bachelors degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field

• 7+ years of experience in Laboratory and Sensory (Lab Quality)

• Proven experience in Industrial or commercial laboratory (analytical & sensory), preferably in food industry

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Other languages would be a plus

• Mid-level leadership skills – both direct and indirect

• Good written and oral communication skills

• Technical laboratory and sensory science knowledge

• Proven experience in laboratory procedures, data analysis, digital/systems skills (Power BI, Excel, LabVantage LIMS)

• Familiarity with statistical tools (SPC, Gage Studies, DOE) and software (Minitab)

• Green Belt Certification preferred

• Proven competence in method validation, MSA, ISO 17025 and LIMS administration

• Solid understanding of sensory science, data analysis, and statistical reporting

• Availability to travel up to 30% (on annual basis)

Schreiber Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.