Sr. Chemist – Residue Analysis Lab

Location: Kolkata

Industry: FSSAI-Approved Food Testing Laboratories (NABL / EIC Accredited)

Organisation: EFRAC

EFRAC is hiring a Senior Chemist for its Residue Analysis Laboratory

This role is intended for professionals with strong hands-on experience in residue and trace-level analysis of food and agricultural commodities using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. Candidates must have direct exposure to regulatory testing as per FSSAI, APEDA, EIC, Tea Board and Spice Board requirements.

Role Overview

The Senior Chemist will be responsible for residue analysis of pesticides, veterinary drugs, hormones, vitamins and related compounds in food and agricultural commodities. The role requires deep technical capability in mass-spectrometry-based analysis, method development and validation, and strict adherence to regulatory and quality requirements under ISO/IEC 17025.

Key Responsibilities

Residue & Trace Analysis

• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, hormones, vitamins and related compounds in food and agri commodities
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS systems
• Ensure system suitability, calibration, tuning and performance monitoring

Method Development & Validation

• Develop, optimise and validate residue analysis methods for various food and agri matrices
• Perform method verification, matrix extension and LOQ establishment as per regulatory limits
• Support validation parameters including precision, accuracy, recovery, linearity, LOD/LOQ and robustness
• Maintain complete validation documentation in line with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements

Sample Preparation & Extraction

• Execute and optimise sample preparation techniques including QuEChERS, SPE, LLE, derivatisation and clean-up procedures
• Apply appropriate extraction and clean-up strategies for complex matrices
• Follow validated protocols and regulatory-approved workflows

Regulatory & Guideline Compliance

Strong working knowledge of:

• FSSAI residue limits and testing requirements
• APEDA, EIC, Tea Board and Spice Board export compliance programs
• Codex, EU, AOAC, CIPAC and relevant international guidelines
• ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for testing, validation and documentation

Data Review & Documentation

• Review chromatograms, integrations, QC samples and calibration curves
• Identify and address matrix interferences, carryover and analytical anomalies
• Maintain complete raw data, worksheets, logbooks and LIMS records
• Support report generation and technical clarifications during audits

Quality & Lab Compliance

• Adhere to GLP, contamination-control and safety practices
• Participate in PT/ILC programs, QC trending and internal audits
• Support audit readiness for NABL, FSSAI, EIC and client audits

Mandatory Experience & Background

Experience in FSSAI-approved food testing laboratories (NABL / EIC accredited preferred)

Hands-on operation of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS for residue analysis

Practical experience in method development and validation for food and agri matrices

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc in Analytical Chemistry / Chemistry / Biotechnology or related discipline
• 48 years of relevant experience in residue or trace analysis laboratories
• Strong understanding of regulatory testing and export compliance requirements
• Good spoken English and clear technical communication skills