Careers

Twenty-five years in food testing. Nine years at Matrix Sciences. And still drawn to the complexity of it all.​

Gretchen Gutierrez has spent her career across some of the most demanding corners of food testing, analytical chemistry, microbiology, research, and management. She started as an intern at Northland, which was acquired by Matrix Sciences in 2017, and has been raising the bar ever since. She’s led method validations, guided clients through regulatory hurdles, and played a key role in establishing Sensory Services as a standalone line of business, work that continues to shape how Matrix Sciences delivers value today.​

Now, as Sr. Director of Quality, her focus is on overseeing the quality systems for our accredited laboratories. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always make headlines, but makes everything else possible.​

And oh, if you happened to catch Season 4, Episode 3 of The Profit? That was Gretchen, covering nutritional content testing for The Soup Market. 📺​

Nine years in and still raising the bar. That’s Gretchen Gutierrez.​

A leader in research management and project execution, Deidre has worked at Matrix Sciences (previously Contract Testing) for over 20 years. ​

With significant years of experience in the kitchen as a sensory technician, in questionnaire development & programming, and in report creation and analysis, Deidre brings depth of expertise and high-quality standards to every project. ​

She has managed projects for most of the top 10 CPG and QSR companies in North America. ​

When not leading research or researchers, Deidre can be found shopping at local farmers’ markets or parks with her family! ​

#MatrixSciences #ConsumerInsights #SensoryScience #FoodSafetyAndQuality #AgSciences #RiskManagementSolutions #ConsumerAndSensoryResearch​

When the lab runs well, it’s rarely by accident. At Mount Prospect, it starts with Chris.​

Chris Ekuban joined Matrix Sciences four years ago and hasn’t slowed down since. As Laboratory Director for Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Mount Prospect, he oversees laboratory performance, staffing, quality systems, and operational efficiency. ​

What makes Chris stand out is his genuine investment in the people and processes around him. He’s taken on new challenges not because they were handed to him, but because he saw where he could make a difference, for the team, for the lab, and for the clients who depend on the work being done right.​

Off the clock, Chris enjoys trying out new restaurants with friends and family.​

Four years in and still raising the bar. That’s Chris Ekuban.​

Learn more about the people behind Matrix Sciences at matrixsciences.com/about.​

#MatrixSciences #FoodSafetyAndQuality #AgSciences #RiskManagementSolutions #ConsumerAndSensoryResearch​

10 years. Two labs. Countless food safety decisions were made better because Crystal was in the room.​

Crystal Schuurmans has spent a decade on the Matrix Sciences team — and in that time, she’s grown into one of the people who define how we operate. As Director of Operations for FSQA and Microbiology, she keeps our Green Bay and Clinton Township labs running with the kind of quiet precision that only comes from experience.​

But what makes Crystal stand out isn’t just the technical depth. It’s how she leads. She’s built a culture around collaboration — the belief that better outcomes come from bringing different perspectives to the table, not from having one person with all the answers.​

Outside the lab, she’s visited 17 countries, backpacked through Europe, and stayed in villages in Guatemala. That same openness and curiosity? She brings it to work every single day.​

Here’s to 10 years, Crystal. And to many more. 🎉​

Learn more about the people behind Matrix Sciences at matrixsciences.com/about​

#MatrixSciences #FoodSafetyAndQuality #AgSciences #RiskManagementSolutions #ConsumerAndSensoryResearch​

Behind every smooth operation, we have someone making the calls that keep it moving. At Matrix Sciences, that’s Alex.​

Alex Rafferty has spent five and a half years building something worth noticing, a Client Services team that runs tight, clients who feel genuinely taken care of, and a logistics operation that just works. He leads with intention and solves problems quietly, before they become anyone else’s problem.​

When he’s not at work, you’ll find him on the golf course, planning his next warm-weather trip, or cheering on his Chicago teams. 🏌️⛳​

Five and a half years of steady, reliable excellence. That’s Alex Rafferty. 🙌​

Get to know more of our Matrix Sciences team at matrixsciences.com/about.​

#MatrixSciences #FoodSafetyAndQuality #AgSciences #RiskManagementSolutions #ConsumerAndSensoryResearch​