Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Purpose:

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for sampling and testing materials to ensure consistent quality of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.

Principle Accountabilities:

1. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of equipment, chemicals, tools, etc.
2. Skill in fine manipulation tasks such as dialing and answering telephones, calibrating balances, and gauges, using precise measuring devices, calculators, and copy equipment.
3. Capability to read handwritten and printed memos, letters, policies, procedures, manuals, schedules, and training materials.
4. Capacity to work in hot areas without adverse effects; tolerance for wearing hearing protectors, hard hats, eye protection, and maintain good housekeeping practices.
5. Ability to conduct safety audits on laboratory equipment and personnel, and perform tasks such as collecting, sampling, and analyzing data, including color and texture analyses.
6. Capable of working rotating shifts.

7. Proficient in handling and analyzing samples from all areas of plant operations to ensure product consistency and compliance with specifications.

8. Skilled in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining chromatography instruments, including Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

9. Strong knowledge of titration methods, chemical extraction techniques, and rheological property testing of polymers.

10. Well-versed in the application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Statistical Quality Control (SQC) methodologies to monitor and improve process performance.

11. Hands on knowledge of StarLIMS system.

12. Proficient in basic mathematical calculations and computer applications relevant to laboratory data analysis and reporting.

13. Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple tasks effectively under time constraints.

14. Available for overtime coverage and able to perform other tasks related to laboratory that are deemed necessary by the management.

Minimum Position Requirements:

1. Education: High School graduate or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred.
2. Proficiency in basic mathematical calculations.

3. Minimum one (1) year of hands-on experience in a quality control laboratory within the polymer industry.

4. Must be PC literate with demonstrated proficiency, detail oriented, a self-starter, able to multi-task, have good communication skills, flexible and able to work well under time pressure. Proficiency in basic mathematical calculations.

Special Training or Competencies:

Incumbents must be able respond appropriately during site emergencies as directed by the Site Emergency Director. The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment when working in designated areas. This may include hard hat, safety glasses, respirators, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, or other equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

Other physical requirements for this position include:

1. Be capable of twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling and reaching motions to perform functions of the job, when required.
2. Exposure to various temperature extremes as dictated by local climate.
3. Exposure to loud noise levels created by running equipment in the process areas.
4. May require standing for long periods of time while testing.
5. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. at times, but not routinely.
6. Sample pickup is required in varying climatic conditions (i.e.: rain, hot or cold weather, etc.)