Company Description

Foster Farms has been serving families since 1939. Since the founding days, Foster Farms has always been committed to providing consumers with the highest-quality, best-tasting poultry products available. Our commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service, and our valued Team Members will shine through in everything we do.

Foster Farms is always looking for talented individuals to join the Foster Farms team. We offer the experience of a large organization, however operate like a family business. More than half of our job openings are filled by internal promotion, and we encourage Team Members to gain a variety of experiences across different functional groups.

Job Description

Pay Range: $33.25 to $41.55 per hour

Purpose of Position:

The Senior Chemist is responsible for leading and performing complex chemical analyses in support of poultry production, food safety, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures high-quality, timely, and accurate analytical testing of poultry products, raw materials, water, feed, and sanitation chemicals. The Senior Chemist maintains USDA & ELAP accreditations, also supports method development, staff training and management, and other quality system compliances as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Chemical Analysis: Perform routine and non-routine testing of poultry-related matrices, including Cholesterol, Fatty Acid Profile, Pesticides, Moisture, Protein, Fat, Ash, etc. Operate and maintain related equipment used in the analysis.
Method Development: Assist in developing, validating, and optimizing new chemical testing methods in accordance with regulatory standards and internal procedures.
Compliance & Accreditation: Ensure compliance with USDA, ELAP, and internal SOPs. Maintain proper documentation, traceability, and chain of custody.
Technical Leadership: Mentor junior chemists and technicians. Provide training on new methods and best practices.
Data Management: Review, interpret, and report analytical results with precision and scientific integrity. Prepare Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and technical reports.
Safety & Waste Management: Adhere to chemical hygiene and hazardous waste handling protocols. Promote a safe lab environment.
Quality Control: Implement and monitor internal quality control procedures, including the review of QC charts, duplicate testing, reference standards, and corrective actions for out-of-spec results.
Workflow Prioritization: Collaborate with lab team and management to prioritize testing schedules, ensuring high-throughput and time-sensitive samples (e.g., production release) are handled efficiently.
Order Lab Supplies: Acquire quotations for the supplies requested, create purchase requisitions and process lab invoices.
Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the management.

Qualifications

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)
3+ years of experience in analytical chemistry, preferably in a food or poultry testing laboratory
Strong knowledge of wet chemistry techniques and experience with QC practices
Familiarity with ELAP, and USDA regulatory standards
Experience with LIMS, COA generation, and data integrity best practices
Proven ability to prioritize work, lead small teams, and communicate effectively

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience leading workflow scheduling or sample triage in a high-throughput lab
Familiarity with test cost analysis and efficiency metrics
Experience coordinating or participating in proficiency testing programs
Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational abilities
Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 Guidelines

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Foster Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities, Females, Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Foster Farms participates in E-Verify during the hire process at all locations for all new Team Members.

Foster Farms

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Senior Chemist