Lab Technician

Seeking a Lab Tech to join a Food & Beverage company in Philadelphia.


SUMMARY :

Plans and schedules testing activities, collects samples and performs quality tests on raw bulk ingredients, purchased products and finished products. Informs on-sight Supervisor, QA Manager, and Plant Manager of any variations from quality standards and ensures that the nonconformance has been corrected. Ensures all receiving materials, in-process product and outbound product adheres to quality standards.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Completes laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.

• Pulls, logs and completes finished product and processing sample testing for all specification requirements on each product at the established sampling frequency. Physical, biological, chemical and organoleptic testing includes but is not limited to: butterfat and solids (Babcock, Lactoscope and CEM), cryoscope, temperature, acidity, homogenization efficiency, DMC, gram stains, agar/petrifilm plating, rapid-methods bioluminescence (EPIC), weights, code date verification, seal checks, pH, brix, coffee feathering, whipping, peroxide residuals, flavor, odor, appearance and shelf life analysis.

• Uses experience to make determinations as to the suitability of raw materials and finished products elevating to Quality management where necessary. Troubleshoots basic analytical equipment issues.

• Maintains certification by state for Beta-Lactam antibiotic testing to the Industry Supervisor level. Sets up negative and positive control points for Charm SLBL.

• Maintains runs and notates daily butterfat and solids standards on analysis equipment. Performs calibration of testing equipment where necessary.

• Maintains calibration of thermometers, pipettes and scales per regulatory requirements to ensure accuracy of ongoing checks. Maintains accurate temperature records for refrigerators, freezers and incubators.

• Measures and maintains records of vitamin usage.

• Sets up cryoscope baseline measurements for lactose reduced products.

• Completes tank inventory recording butterfat, solids, acidity and DMC at the specific frequency per management.

• Verifies non-conforming product (raw or finished), properly windows and tags affected product, issues hold reports and samples at time of hold from affected units where applicable. Coordinates resampling of hold product and completion of product disposition.

• Verifies that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up by thorough inspection and proper ATP swabbing. Maintains detailed records.

• Maintains laboratory supply inventory notifying Laboratory Foreman upon need.

• Audits CIP chemical concentrations for the various CIP systems to ensure compliance to company specifications.

• Conducts environmental testing throughout facility including but not limited to: ATP swabbing, Listeria genus swabbing, air quality monitoring, water sampling, captive water sampling, etc.

• Collects and ships requested product samples for R&D or customers/sales.

• Ensures all laboratory documentation (forms, SOPs, etc.) is current and properly completed by lab personnel.

• Trains Quality technicians and ensures that performance of testing meets all regulatory and internal specifications.

• Maintains shelf life/retain bossies in a clean, orderly manner.

• Maintains laboratory in a clean and organized manner per Master Cleaning Schedule which includes removal of trash, consolidation and organization of supplies, cleaning counters, windows and testing equipment, mopping floors, etc.

• Responsible to assist in the training of new hires, transfers, etc.

• Any and all duties as directed by QA supervision and/or management.

• All employees are expected to support the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program by following food safety and quality procedures, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, and reporting any concerns. Team members must understand their role in the SQF System, complete required training, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement to ensure safe, high-quality products.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's in Science degree in Biology or other related Science field.

• Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation is a plus.

• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.)

• Ability to work well with people.

• Ability to maintain internal certifications by completing test-specific proficiency testing.

• Possess excellent communication skills.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Ability to work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment may require working in varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.

• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.

EEO Employer Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Edit External Job DescriptionClient Job Description

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.