Lab Technician

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician plays a key role in an analytical laboratory, determining the physical and chemical properties of compounds through quantitative and qualitative analyses in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. This role focuses on testing raw materials, finished products, and returned products that require failure analysis to understand why they did not perform as expected. Working under supervision and following established guidelines, the Lab Technician performs a variety of instrumental and wet chemistry tests, interprets data, and clearly explains experimental methods and findings.

The position offers exposure to both analytical and environmental laboratory work and involves independent, investigative projects that support product quality and performance.

Responsibilities

+ Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine the physical and chemical properties of compounds in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.

+ Conduct a variety of chemical tests using instrumental techniques and wet chemistry methods, following established laboratory procedures and guidelines.

+ Test raw materials to verify quality and suitability for use in production.

+ Test outgoing finished products to confirm they meet required specifications and performance standards.

+ Perform failure analysis on products returned by customers to determine why they failed in the field.

+ Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, including FTIR, GPC, ICP, GC-FID, microscopes, and other equipment used to test paints and coatings or evaluate their application.

+ Spend time working in both the analytical lab and environmental lab, learning and applying methods across multiple testing areas.

+ Design and properly set up experiments using the scientific method, ensuring that procedures are sound and reproducible.

+ Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and data in a clear and organized manner.

+ Interpret test results, identify trends or anomalies, and use critical thinking to determine root causes of product issues.

+ Explain what tests were performed, how they were set up, and why specific methods were chosen, both verbally and in written reports.

+ Prepare detailed reports that summarize findings, conclusions, and recommended changes or corrective actions based on failure analysis.

+ Collaborate with the analytical team to investigate customer issues, acting as part of a forensic-style investigative group focused on product performance.

+ Provide results and reports to leadership for review and discussion, and participate in follow-up conversations about findings.

+ Work independently on project-based assignments, demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and strong investigative skills.

+ Ask probing questions and gather relevant information to support thorough root cause analysis of product failures.

+ Ensure all testing is performed in accordance with lab safety practices, quality standards, and established protocols.

+ Maintain a clean, organized work area and contribute to the overall cleanliness and orderliness of the lab.

+ Adhere to a Monday through Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with no travel required.

Essential Skills

+ Strong foundation in chemistry or biochemistry, with the ability to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.

+ Proficiency in laboratory techniques, including wet chemistry and instrumental analysis.

+ Hands-on experience or strong familiarity with analytical instruments such as FTIR, GPC, ICP, GC-FID, and microscopes.

+ Ability to properly set up and perform experiments using the scientific method, including hypothesis formulation, controlled testing, and data…