China - 中文 (中国)

Research Assistant, Analytical

Livermore, CA, United States of America
Job Reference JR0092111
Professional Areas Research & Development
Function Research & Development
Contract Type Permanent
Years of Work Experience 5 - 8
Start date 2026-01-01

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position 

This role is responsible for conducting analytical testing of food materials and products, including proteins, starches, fibers, oils, and micro-analytes, following established standard operating procedures. The position involves performing both routine and advanced physicochemical and functional analyses, accurately interpreting data, and maintaining precise laboratory documentation. The individual will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments, ensure proper calibration, and uphold cleanliness and safety standards across all lab areas. Adherence to company safety protocols is essential. 

This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions 

  • Understand and execute analytical tests as directed and as laid out in standard operating procedures of proteins, starch, fibers, ash, oils and various micro analytes. 

  • Perform routine and non-routine physicochemical and functional analysis of food materials and products. Analyze analytical data accurately and comprehensively. 

  • Report quality results in a timely manner and organize comprehensive laboratory records and documentation with precision. 

  • Operate, maintain and carry out basic troubleshooting of all analytical instruments and equipment. Perform instrument calibration and routine maintenance tasks as required. 

  • Keep all work areas organized and clean. 

  • Practice LDC’s safety standards at all times. 

Company Conformance Statements 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: 

  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. 

  • Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public. 

  • Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company. 

  • Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) 

Basic qualifications: 

  • A genuine desire to work in plant-based ingredients and food space. 

  • Capacity to work independently within defined experimental frame.  

  • Display of proficient bench skills. 

  • Adaptability and accountability. 

  • Analytical mindset with proven ability to gather, interpret and synthesize large volumes of data. 

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as an individual or collaborate as part of a team. 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

  • Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines. 

  • Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems. 

  • Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills. 

  • Ability to provide basic maintenance to lab equipment in use.  

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses 

Required qualification: 

  • Associate’s degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, food science or other related field. 

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, food science or other related field. 

 
Experience 

Basic qualification:  

  • Prior experience working in a research laboratory 

  • Preferred qualification:  

  • Two (2) or more years of experience in a laboratory 

  • Experience in Chemistry analysis  

  • Experience in Food Research analysis  

  • Experience with LC and GC chromatography systems. 

Equipment Used 

  • Centrifuge, Spectrophotometer, LC, GC, PH meters and other lab equipment.   

  • Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner. 

Working Conditions 

  • Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter.   

  • Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations. 

  • Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel. 

  • Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

Employee Supervision 

  • No employee supervision.  

Decision Making/Accountability 

  • Prioritizing workload to ensure deadlines are met and communicating updates with management and other departments. 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.


Job Description

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position 

This role is responsible for conducting analytical testing of food materials and products, including proteins, starches, fibers, oils, and micro-analytes, following established standard operating procedures. The position involves performing both routine and advanced physicochemical and functional analyses, accurately interpreting data, and maintaining precise laboratory documentation. The individual will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments, ensure proper calibration, and uphold cleanliness and safety standards across all lab areas. Adherence to company safety protocols is essential. 

This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions 

  • Understand and execute analytical tests as directed and as laid out in standard operating procedures of proteins, starch, fibers, ash, oils and various micro analytes. 

  • Perform routine and non-routine physicochemical and functional analysis of food materials and products. Analyze analytical data accurately and comprehensively. 

  • Report quality results in a timely manner and organize comprehensive laboratory records and documentation with precision. 

  • Operate, maintain and carry out basic troubleshooting of all analytical instruments and equipment. Perform instrument calibration and routine maintenance tasks as required. 

  • Keep all work areas organized and clean. 

  • Practice LDC’s safety standards at all times. 


Experience

Company Conformance Statements 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: 

  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. 

  • Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public. 

  • Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company. 

  • Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) 

Basic qualifications: 

  • A genuine desire to work in plant-based ingredients and food space. 

  • Capacity to work independently within defined experimental frame.  

  • Display of proficient bench skills. 

  • Adaptability and accountability. 

  • Analytical mindset with proven ability to gather, interpret and synthesize large volumes of data. 

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as an individual or collaborate as part of a team. 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

  • Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines. 

  • Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems. 

  • Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills. 

  • Ability to provide basic maintenance to lab equipment in use.  

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses 

Required qualification: 

  • Associate’s degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, food science or other related field. 

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, food science or other related field. 

 
Experience 

Basic qualification:  

  • Prior experience working in a research laboratory 

  • Preferred qualification:  

  • Two (2) or more years of experience in a laboratory 

  • Experience in Chemistry analysis  

  • Experience in Food Research analysis  

  • Experience with LC and GC chromatography systems. 


Additional Information

Equipment Used 

  • Centrifuge, Spectrophotometer, LC, GC, PH meters and other lab equipment.   

  • Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner. 

Working Conditions 

  • Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter.   

  • Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations. 

  • Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel. 

  • Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

Employee Supervision 

  • No employee supervision.  

Decision Making/Accountability 

  • Prioritizing workload to ensure deadlines are met and communicating updates with management and other departments. 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us