Finlays

Since 1750, Finlays has served as the industry’s trusted leader in the supply of tea, coffee, and botanicals extracts to the world’s beverage brand owners. Through engaged employees and a continuous improvement mindset, Finlays has grown this legacy in the North and South American regions. Finlays Americas delivers safe and consistent “fit for purpose” quality products and services, meeting regulatory requirements and customer expectations by being an integrated, customer-centric solution provider. 

DESCRIPTION: 

Finlays USA is looking for a coffee research technologist based on Finlay’s global analytical and research center located in San Antonio, TX. This position reports to the Principal Scientist, a head of ARC (Analytical Research Center), and will support a small team in the delivery of science-based and data-driven information to our global operations and commercial teams. Working collaboratively in this team, the incumbent will perform laboratory duties and chemical analyses, and participate in sensory activities. Finlays offers a multicultural working environment and enjoyable work culture. We are looking for an individual that performs all duties in accordance with Finlay’s operating procedures, and our Always Safe program to deliver our vision and mission. 

The successful candidate should be able to: 

• Conduct coffee basic and processing research in the lab and the plant. 
• Perform essential laboratory analytical testing, especially HPLC analysis, and other basic lab testings. 
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment. Develop and validate various analytical testing procedures. 
• Maintain laboratory consumables inventory through ordering necessary items in a timely manner to prevent interruptions in analysis capabilities. 
• Update and create laboratory SOPs and SDSs as they relate to analytical methods. 
• Work directly with plant personnel and the engineering team to improve current systems and technologies. 
• Work closely with the product development team to provide input, and contribute to creative testing methods as they relate to product quality and shelf-life stability. 
• Work safely, complying with the requirements for hazardous chemical management, and in accordance with our Finlays Always Safe program. 
• Work collaboratively with the scientists in the ARC team, delivering the team objectives and goals. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Conduct basic and applied research regarding coffee, tea, botanical, and herbal extraction and their products. 
• Perform essential laboratory analytical testing, especially HPLC – HPLC experience is a plus. 
• Work with the operation team for processing improvement. 
• Work closely with other group technical team members, participating where applicable in Group meetings and working groups. 
• Lead on stability and shelf life studies of coffee. 
• Work in accordance to the SOPS for the ARC laboratory, including but not limited to laboratory management, equipment calibration, and housekeeping Keep the lab environment clean (good housekeeping) and calibrate laboratory equipment. 
• Work with various departments to provide proper technical feedback. 
• Liaise with other Finlay technical locations to share and disseminate knowledge. 
• Work with external food industry experts. 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: 

• BS in Food Science, Analytical chemistry, Chemistry or related field. 
• 2-4 years of food industry experience with a working knowledge of food science and chemistry. 
• Experience of working in a laboratory, with testing and calibration knowledge on HPLC, ideally in an R&D environment, would be an advantage. 
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word) an advantage.
• Experience in food and beverage application would be an advantage.
• Experience in laboratory management would be an advantage.

SKILLS / BEHAVIOURS 

• Excellent verbal and writing skills, including scientific report writing 
• Critical thinking skills 
• Communication skills, being able to communicate clearly in meetings 
• A team-oriented, able to work collaboratively in a team 
• Detail-oriented, able to work accurately with numbers and detail 

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Laboratory and Plant environment 
• Handling of some chemicals 

Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older. 

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship