S&T Analytical Technician

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

AFB International is a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. As expert in pet food, AFB International is partner with pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats and supplements, meeting the specific needs of the pets and pet owners they serve. The company is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, and has offices and/or production facilities in the USA (global HQ), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia and China.

The Science & Technology (S&T) team in AFB is a global team where the responsibility of the team is to think long term, and execute against the broader global strategy, developing all assets and innovative tools to ensure new science and new technology that meet market trends, deliver IP and grow our business.

As our new S&T Analytical Technician (level will be based on experience and education), you will be part of the Science & Technology, Flavour & Data Sciences team. Your work will play a crucial role in advancing our analytical capabilities to support the identification of key flavour & compositional markers, conduct chemical characterization of raw materials and end products, aiming at building a robust analytical database for palatability predictive modelling. You will be responsible for conducting research, developing analytical methods, and implementing advanced technologies to optimize palatants formulation, quality control, and safety standards.

Your opportunity within AFB International

Your experience should demonstrate:

• Analytical Instrumentation: Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting advance analytical instruments, and experience in developing and validating analytical methods for products flavour & texture characterization, nutritional analysis, quality control, and contaminant detection. To name a few:

  • Spectroscopic Techniques: NIR, FTIR, UV-Vis, IR, and fluorescence spectroscopy for rapid analysis of pet food ingredients and formulations.

  • Chromatographic Techniques: HPLC and GC for separation, identification, and quantification of profiles (fingerprint), contaminants, and components in pet food.

  • Rheology: advanced product texture characterization, including particle size distribution.

  • Nutritional Analysis: including proximate analysis, amino acid analysis, fatty acid analysis, vitamin and mineral analysis, and digestibility studies.

• Quality Control and Assurance: Knowledge of quality control protocols, laboratory testing procedures, and adherence to regulatory standards in the pet food industry.

  • Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): Familiarity with LIMS software for sample tracking, data management, and documentation.

  • Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of food safety regulations like GMP, HACCP, and AAFCO guidelines for compliance in pet food analysis.

• Data Analysis and Statistical Software:

  • Strong skills in analyzing complex datasets using statistical software like R, SAS, or JMP for data interpretation and analysis.

  • Research and Experimental Design: Proficiency in experimental design, statistical methodologies, and generating reliable scientific data for pet food analysis and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities to enhance analytical methodologies and techniques for the pet food industry.

• Investigate innovative approaches to analyze and monitor raw material variability and its impact on the final pet food product, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Develop strategies to mitigate the effects of raw material variability on product formulation and quality control.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand the product development goals and identify analytical requirements.

• Work closely with product development scientists and project teams to define analytical parameters for ingredient selection and optimization.

• Collaborate with suppliers to identify and evaluate new ingredients and technologies that align with our pet food innovation goals.

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate pet food ingredients, formulations, and processes using advanced analytical tools and equipment.

• Utilize state-of-the-art analytical techniques to assess the nutritional composition, digestibility, and bioavailability of pet food ingredients.

• Analyze and interpret data to identify opportunities for ingredient substitution or optimization to improve the final product's nutritional profile.

• Implement cutting-edge technologies, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other relevant techniques, to analyze pet food components.

• Explore the application of advanced spectroscopic techniques for rapid and non-destructive analysis of pet food ingredients and formulations.

• Utilize chromatographic methods for the separation and identification of complex nutrient profiles and potential contaminants.

• Perform data analysis and interpretation to generate meaningful insights and recommendations for product improvement and innovation.

• Analyze and interpret analytical data to assess the impact of raw material variability on final product quality and nutritional composition.

• Generate comprehensive reports and presentations summarizing analytical findings and recommendations for product enhancement.

Your Qualifications

• FMCG technical background in Pet, Food and/or Beverages.

• Strong experience in analytical research and development, preferably in the pet food or food industry.

• BSc/MSc/PhD Degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field with a focus on analytical techniques and methods.

• Proficient in using a wide range of analytical instruments and techniques, such as Rheometer, HPLC, GC, NIR, FTIR, and mass spectrometry..

• Experience in analyzing the variability of new ingredients for pet food formulations.

• Familiarity with pet food regulations, nutritional requirements, and safety standards.

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, analyze complex data sets, and draw actionable conclusions.

• Strong drive and result focus combined with entrepreneurial and innovative mindset.

• Excellent communication skills with good sense of teamwork, networking skills and sharing culture.

• Fluent in English (oral and written), at ease in international environment. Other languages are a plus.

• Ability to stay organized, manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Competences & other

• Technical Project Leadership

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Good sense of teamwork and networking skills.

• Result oriented combined with entrepreneurial, sales and innovative mindset.

• Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Accurate and strong analytical skills.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.