Lab Technician

The Laboratory Technician is a trained, qualified individual that performs physical and chemical analysis of raw material and finished product samples received into the testing laboratory. The technician must perform all job-related duties in a safe, organized, and efficient manner to assure the site is compliant with regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

Job Responsibilities:

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for the accurate handling, preparation, and testing of raw material and finished good samples by following Lab Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). The technician is responsible for reviewing the accuracy of testing results and initiating investigations when results do not conform to specifications under the guidance of Technical Service Lab Manager or other senior analysts.

Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities, but not limited to the following:

• Receive and record of samples upon arrival into the laboratory.
• Calibrate instrument as required and ensure the instrument works under proper conditions.
• Preparation of reagents, standards on a scheduled basis.
• Follow daily testing schedule set by The Lab Supervisor to prioritize sample testing order.
• Perform sample preparation including weighing of samples, selection of glassware, and determination of necessary analyses based on related SOP.
• Inspect instrumentation routinely for potential instrumentation errors.
• Report instrument errors to management and work with senior analyst and management to troubleshoot potential testing issues.
• Analysis and recording/plotting of Quality Control samples and data. Monitor/review Quality Control data and samples. Address situation if any instrument is OOC.
• Elevate results not conforming to specifications to senior analyst and Analytical Lab Supervisor for investigation.
• Actively participate in OOS investigation.
• Documents and records testing results accurately in lab notebooks and electronically where applicable.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Assists in other testing stations and lab areas as needed and assigned.
• Repairs instruments/equipment with training.
• Maintains cleanliness of assigned instrumentation and/or equipment. Completes and maintains preventative maintenance and troubleshooting records.
• Maintain testing records and retain samples.

Minimum Training, Education, and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or other science related field; or one to two years related experience and/or training in an analytical testing laboratory; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of the basic principles and laboratory applications of chemistry, biology, and microbiology.
• Knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, materials, and ability to perform standardized chemical and microbiological examinations independently.
• Must be able to work in a collaborative environment as well as performing individual assignments.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Have experience with testing of vitamins and minerals using HPLC, ICP/AA, FTIR, GC, pH, Bulk Densities, Colorimeter is a plus.

Key Metrics:

The Lab Tech is held accountable but not limited to the following metrics as they relate to the operational area assigned.

• Attendance
• Customer Complaints
• Resamples
• Reworks
• Maintaining required in house 3-day turnaround time on testing (In house only)
• Reduction in laboratory related testing errors.
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed.

Behavior Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environment.
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7.
• Exposure to chemical odors may be encountered. Hoods and personal protection equipment are available for use.
• Handling of hazardous chemicals including caustics, acids, and flammable hydrocarbons.
• Gloves, aprons, glasses and other P.P.E. are available and required when handling certain chemical