About Imbibe

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry.

Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products.

At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time.

If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Summary of Position

This individual supports various departments within Imbibe by providing analytical chemistry support to the Research & Development, Quality Control, and Operations teams.  Their focus will be on GC operations, capability improvements, and building critical databases for ongoing production.

Essential Job Duties

• Primarily responsible for the execution of methods for the analysis of raw materials, flavors, and finished goods. Execute methods for the analysis of food and flavor-related samples using chromatography (GC/MS, UHPLC), solvent extraction, headspace extraction, SPME, etc.
• Perform analytical testing of volatile and non-volatile components in foods, beverages, flavors, extracts, and essences.
• Performs analysis of raw materials used in the manufacture of flavors for both their purity and for an identification and internal library mapping.
• Train in method development for the analysis of food and flavor-related samples using chromatography (GC/MS, UHPLC), solvent extraction, headspace extraction, SPME, etc.
• Learn chromatographic methods for use in identifying and quantifying flavor materials.
• Provide detailed, well-reviewed volatile analysis results using Agilent Chemstation and Excel reporting.
• Engage with other departments, both within and outside of R&D, to promote existing capabilities as well as determine areas for improvement.
• Performs routine and non-routine maintenance, troubleshoots, and resolves equipment malfunctions as they arise on analytical chromatography equipment while providing support to ensure that analytical laboratory equipment is maintained in proper working order.
• Coordinates maintenance from outside vendors as needed.
• Work with Senior Analytical Chemist to coordinate and improve flavor analysis methods within R&D and QC.
• Coordinate testing methodologies between internal lab, customer labs and/or third-party labs.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations: workflow for all analysis, ordering of supplies, lab organization, safety, and cleanliness.
• Performs all duties following established laboratory procedures and establishes and documents new procedures as necessary.
• Possesses excellent presentation and communication skills, effectively translating analytical results into business drivers.
• Conduct independent research to keep abreast of scientific advances in the areas of analytical and flavor chemistry.

Minimum Qualifications

• S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field
• 0-2 years of experience with quantitative chemical analysis and creating analytical methodologies.
• Familiar with laboratory experimentation and data analysis skills
• This position requires the handling of food grade chemicals and ingredients for food and beverage with strong odors.
• This position requires the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, including but not limited to lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, face masks, respirators, ear protection, etc.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• May occasionally need to move, lift, or transport containers of ingredients weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the following equipment and software:
  • GC/MS (GC 6890 MS 5975 With a Gerstel MPS2 Autosampler, Agilent 7890B GC with 5977B MSD and Gerstel Pro 3 Autosampler)
  • U-HPLC (UPLC H-Class Waters with Empower 3 Software)
  • Agilent Chemstation

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time laboratory position
• Typical office setting for most desk work and paperwork including use of standard office equipment.
• Typical food/beverage laboratory and pilot plant setting for all hands-on development work including the use of standard laboratory equipment.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role.

Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
• 401k retirement plan with company contribution and match
• FSA and HSA account
• Generous company holidays, PTO, and sick time
• Onsite gym and wellness opportunities 
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Learning and professional development opportunities