Lab Technician

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as microscopes, centrifuge, agitators, scales, Activigraph, nitrogen analyzer, spectrophotometer, and other lab equipment.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Participate in trouble shooting processes and provide analytical information and technical support as needed for Fermentation, Production and Supply Chain.

• Set up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as microscopes, centrifuge, agitators, scales, Activigraph, nitrogen analyzer, spectrophotometer, and other lab equipment.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Participate in trouble shooting processes and provides analytical information and technical support as needed for Fermentation, Production and Supply Chain.

• Test materials used as ingredients in yeast products for such qualities as purity, stability, viscosity, density, absorption, brix, and melting or flash point.
• Test solutions used in processes for chemical concentration, specific gravity, pH, brix or other characteristics.
• Test materials for presence and content of elements or substances such as hydrocarbons, manganese, sulfur, ash, dust, or impurities.
• Test samples of manufactured yeast products to verify conformity to specifications.
• Responsible for HACCP verification activities.
• Respond and react to the detection of testing anomalies and deviations in operation or procedure (performing instrument and method troubleshooting, initiating laboratory-based investigations).
• Collect samples for analytical testing of effluent treatment.
• Responsible for microbiological data analysis and monitoring of plant process water for EPA compliance.
• Complies with SQF and corporate standards.
• Product release according to specifications.
• Support Food Safety Culture.

• Record test results on standardized forms and write test reports describing procedures used. Prepare graphs and charts.
• Review data and generate statistical reports including graphs and charts.

• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Calibrate laboratory instruments and perform preventive maintenance as scheduled.
• Complete assigned duties on Master Sanitation Schedule.

• Comply with HR policies and procedures.
• Comply with relevant employment laws.

• Support Environmental Social Governance (ESG) initiatives.
• Support improvement of Safety Culture.
• Engage in team meetings and other team processes (safety, food safety, environmental, CI, etc.) to improve team and site KPI performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate's degree (A.A.) in Chemistry or Biology from two-year college or technical school.
• Two years' experience and/or training.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment or tools.
• Familiarity with basic scientific terminology.
• Familiarity with basic computer operation.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry or Biology.
• Experience in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and/or fermentation.

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts when necessary.
• Occasional overtime may be required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals and occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.