Lab Technician

Location:

Channahon, Illinois, United States
Requisition Number: 42827

The Laboratory Technician performs sampling and routine testing to determine chemical, physical and microbiological characteristics or composition of solid and liquid materials to ensure process and quality control measures are effective. The Lab Technician follows all policies and procedures to ensure that performed work exceeds the requirements of "Good Laboratory Practices" and to maintain the positive image of a reliable and efficient laboratory.

• Performs physical and chemical testing of raw materials, in-process samples and finished products
• Verifies that test results conform to product and customer specifications
• Ensures timely delivery of test results, issuing certificates of analysis, filing testing information, and maintaining analysis databases
• Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas
• Follows lab safety regulations at all times, including but not limited to eye protection, hand protection, and proper use of fume hoods or other breathing protection
• Performs set up, adjustments, and operation of lab equipment, including gas & liquid chromatographs, balances, colorimeters, refractometers, and other related equipment
• Performs microbiological sampling, swabbing and testing either in house or by sending to an external laboratory.
• Calibrates all instruments used in the Quality Control lab stations in the plant and in the QA laboratory on a scheduled frequency
• Assists with general upkeep of the lab including preventive maintenance and cleaning of lab instruments, glass bottles, vials and tubes, as well as counters, cabinets, and fixtures
• Maintains inventory of lab chemicals to ensure secure storing, adequate supply, safe and correct disposal of waste chemicals, and to prevent storage of expired stock
• Updates and maintains critical logs; generates related graphs, charts and tables
• Maintains and audits records of products and procedures essential for quality assurance, traceability, product recall, sanitation, HACCP, and hazardous waste management
• Troubleshoots issues with lab instrumentation, maintenance, and problems that arise with product quality
• Applied knowledge on characteristics of different oils in regards to: formulations, needs for "product adjustments", rework need options, finding ways of meeting required final product specifications, etc.
• Developing and maintaining local (plant based) databases for multipurpose use: keeping and saving analytical records, additives reconciliation calculator, automated shift rotation schedule and calendar, etc.
• Finding of and understanding the correlation btw. different lab analyses and methods
• (with the goal of having "backup" test options - in case one analytical method is temporary unavailable or down) - e.g. SFC, NIR, FAP
• Lab supplies and consumables purchasing (by using Corporate catalogue database and SAP module)
• Coordinating, communicating and ensuring timely feedback on AOCS Proficiency Program
• Most important - foreseeing possible issues that might be caused by: bad incoming (crude) oil, of-spec. processing quality parameters, operations parameters (impact on quality by bad vacuum, temp,
• storage conditions, etc.), and proactively reporting the finding and proposals on solutions
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed

• Associate degree in a science or technical field is preferred
• Candidates with the equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• The ideal candidate will have 7 or more years of lab experience in oils & fats, food processing, grain milling, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or related industry.
• Self‑Starter with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently sometimes without supervision
• Ability to read and interpret various directives that may be provided in written or oral format such as diagram, or schedule format such as safety rules, operating instructions, drawings, production schedules, etc.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to contribute to Root Cause Failure analysis reviews
• Efficient in defining problems, collecting data, establishing…