Technologist, Research & Development

J.M. Smucker Co • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Your Opportunity as the Technologist, Coffee R&D Serve as a key technical resource on the Advanced Coffee Science team, supporting standard coffee and beverage product testing. Perform analytical testing of coffee and beverage samples in accordance with approved methods and company procedures. Location: Orrville, OH Work Arrangements: 100% onsite expectations In this role you will: Analytical Testing & Instrumentation Perform characterization of coffee and beverage samples, including physical properties and chemical analyses using techniques such as HPLC, GC, and stability testing. Recommend and utilize the most appropriate analytical equipment to optimize sample analysis. Operate, load, and run analytical instruments; (demonstrate proficiency with software such as ChemStation and MassHunter is a plus). Perform preventive maintenance on analytical instruments and other laboratory equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance activities across the laboratory. Troubleshoot instrument, testing, and sampling abnormalities using critical thinking to ensure accurate and reliable results. Data Analysis & Reporting Analyze test results and communicate summaries, conclusions, and trends to project teams in a clear and timely manner. Identify abnormal trends in data, report findings promptly, and take immediate corrective action as appropriate. Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) and generate high‑quality data in partnership with senior technical resources. Documentation & Quality Maintain rigorous documentation of all laboratory activities, including laboratory notebooks, detailed laboratory reports, investigation reports, and supporting records. Write, validate, and maintain SOPs, analytical programs, specifications, and protocols necessary for laboratory operations. Update SOPs as needed, ensuring proper document control and technical validation. Ensure all work complies with company safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory expectations. Project & Team Support Plan and manage laboratory projects to deliver high‑quality results on time. Provide analytical chemistry expertise to day‑to-day plant operations and cross‑functional project teams. Contribute to project activities by working effectively across disciplines and functions. Train, qualify, and support laboratory technicians to ensure consistent execution of analytical methods. Actively integrate safety principles into all laboratory activities and decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field
• Strong technical expertise in analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory best practices
• Demonstrated ability to implement and write validation studies
• Excellent troubleshooting, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and individuals at varying technical levels
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and laboratory data systems
• Proven ability to lead by example and integrate safety into all laboratory activities

Responsibilities

• Analytical Testing & Instrumentation Perform characterization of coffee and beverage samples, including physical properties and chemical analyses using techniques such as HPLC, GC, and stability testing.
• Recommend and utilize the most appropriate analytical equipment to optimize sample analysis.
• Operate, load, and run analytical instruments; (demonstrate proficiency with software such as ChemStation and MassHunter is a plus).
• Perform preventive maintenance on analytical instruments and other laboratory equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance activities across the laboratory.
• Troubleshoot instrument, testing, and sampling abnormalities using critical thinking to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Data Analysis & Reporting Analyze test results and communicate summaries, conclusions, and trends to project teams in a clear and timely manner.
• Identify abnormal trends in data, report findings promptly, and take immediate corrective action as appropriate.
• Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) and generate high‑quality data in partnership with senior technical resources.
• Documentation & Quality Maintain rigorous documentation of all laboratory activities, including laboratory notebooks, detailed laboratory reports, investigation reports, and supporting records.
• Write, validate, and maintain SOPs, analytical programs, specifications, and protocols necessary for laboratory operations.
• Update SOPs as needed, ensuring proper document control and technical validation.
• Ensure all work complies with company safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Project & Team Support Plan and manage laboratory projects to deliver high‑quality results on time.
• Provide analytical chemistry expertise to day‑to-day plant operations and cross‑functional project teams.
• Contribute to project activities by working effectively across disciplines and functions.
• Train, qualify, and support laboratory technicians to ensure consistent execution of analytical methods.
• Actively integrate safety principles into all laboratory activities and decision-making.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level