Hops R&D Analytical Internship

Job Summary: 

This internship will be with the Hops business unit and focus on work with flavor chemicals using GC-MS and GC-O analysis. The position will involve training and familiarization with two different GC-MS instrument systems. These will include an Agilent GC-QToF system and a Thermo-Fisher GC-QqQ system. The intern will be trained on these instruments, the related software, and with GC-Olfactometry capabilities. The focus of this work will be utilizing the equipment to create an in-house GC-MS library of relevant flavor chemicals. This will improve Kalsec’s ability to identify unknown compounds in assorted food matrices. The intern will also become familiar with sensory testing, and which flavor chemicals are representative of certain aroma characteristics. Standards of interest will be run using GC-O at different concentrations in addition to being measured for the library. This information will then be used to develop an in-house GC-O training regimen. 

Essential Job Responsibilities: 

Maintain a clean and organized workspace in the lab. 

Complete training for different GC-MS instrumentation (Agilent GC-QToF and Thermo GC-QqQ) including an understanding of the benefits of accurate mass MS. 

Maintain a lab notebook with all relevant experimental information. 

Prepare required standards at various concentrations. 

Develop a GC-MS library of standards for Kalsec. 

Become familiar with GC-O techniques. 

Schedule and perform GC-O experiments for standards used in the library. 

Develop an understanding of sensory descriptors and flavor chemicals that act as examples of the descriptors. 

Education/Experience:  

Required:  

Successful completion of entry level chemistry courses 

Desired:  

Successful completion of an introductory analytical chemistry course 

Practical knowledge of gas chromatography equipment 

Equipment Operation: 

Computer-controlled scientific instruments, including GC-MS 

Lab safety equipment, such as fume hoods, for proper handling of potentially hazardous substances 

Precision measurement tools, such as balances and pipets 

Physical Requirements: 

Working with liquids, dry powders, solvents and reagents in a laboratory environment 

Lab bench work will involve basic motions of bending, leaning, lifting, twisting and turning with the need to lift up to 10 lbs on a frequent basic and up to 25 lbs on an infrequent basis 

Lab work will involve standing and walking between lab benches and rooms between 4-8 hours/day 

Travel: 

None 

This job description is not intended to cover every detail or every aspect of the job identified.  Other duties may and will be assigned based upon the workload and needs of the department. 

Kalsec® is committed to providing safe food to its customers.  This position requires completing annual food safety training. Food safety training is conducted through Kalsec® electronic training program and on-the-job training in each department. 

The organizational chart identifies personnel responsible for covering food safety responsibilities in the absence of this position.