Senior Lab Technician

Job Title

Job Summary: This position tests, interprets, and records data necessary to assist in the production of safe products that meet established quality standards. This role also works independently, trains and coaches entry-level lab technicians, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), and monitors trends to identify deviations and initiate corrective actions.

Required Skills/Abilities

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a quality function; strong math and communication skills needed to read and follow written procedures.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience working in a food testing/food safety laboratory.
• Requires a good understanding of GMPs, HACCP, and SQF guidelines.
• Requires the ability to communicate with others and the desire and willingness to work closely within a group of individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong training and coaching skills, with experience mentoring entry-level lab technicians.
• Ability to write, review, and maintain SOPs and lab documentation.
• Ability to compile and analyze trending data, identify deviations, and initiate corrective actions.
• Strong problem analysis skills, teamwork, creativity; ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining the cleanliness and sterility of the lab environment
• Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment
• Perform aseptic sampling technique of finished products that require microbiological analysis
• Perform log entrance of all samples tested
• Perform microbiological or chemical analysis
• Knowledge on AOAC testing methods
• Perform tests on environmental samples taken from food contact surfaces
• Follow the sampling schedule and collect samples of raw materials and water samples
• Perform environmental samples of equipment for TPC, coliform, Yeast/Molds
• Take samples and perform analysis for Listeria environmental sampling
• Documenting, interpreting, and reporting test results to departmental managers
• Work in conjunction with the departmental manager and sanitation supervisor on corrective actions
• Prepare samples to send to the third-party lab when required
• Prepare COA per customer needs
• Participate in proficiency testing program
• Maintain inventory and reorder lab supplies as needed
• Work independently with minimal oversight, exercising sound judgment on daily lab operations
• Train and onboard entry-level lab technicians on lab procedures and protocols
• Write, revise, and maintain SOPs for laboratory testing and sampling procedures
• Coach QA technicians on the production floor on proper micro sampling technique
• Compile and analyze trending reports on lab and environmental data
• Identify deviations from established standards and initiate corrective actions
• Help with QA duties if the department is short of staff

*Denotes Food Safety Job

Education/Experience

• Requires a high school diploma; an associate degree is a plus
• Minimum 2+ years food lab experience required
• Prior experience training or mentoring others preferred
• Computer literate