Lab Technician

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician will prepare and analyze food-related samples using wet chemistry techniques to support the production of vitamin and mineral premixes and specialty enzyme-based ingredient blends used in food processing formulas. This role focuses on testing raw materials and finished goods, generating precise and reliable analytical data, maintaining laboratory instruments, and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.

The position offers the opportunity to become the first dedicated hire in the lab with clear potential to grow into a lead or managerial role as the laboratory expands.

Responsibilities

+ Prepare and process food samples for analysis, primarily using wet chemistry methods such as pH measurements, titrations, and acid-base preparations.

+ Perform routine laboratory tasks competently and independently, including weighing, pipetting, and volumetric dilutions for sample preparation.

+ Conduct wet chemistry tests on raw materials and finished goods to support quality control of vitamin/mineral blends, premixes, and specialty food ingredients.

+ Generate precise, reliable, and reproducible analytical data in a timely manner to support production and quality assurance needs.

+ Troubleshoot experiments and laboratory instrumentation to resolve issues and maintain data integrity.

+ Maintain instrument calibration and ensure equipment is functioning properly according to laboratory standards.

+ Learn and eventually operate ICP-MS instrumentation, following established methods and procedures.

+ Handle analytical instruments such as HPLC and other related equipment as needed to support laboratory testing.

+ Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials and controlled compounds, and GMP compliance where applicable.

+ Follow all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to assigned analytical work and maintain a clean, safe work environment.

+ Comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements in daily laboratory activities.

+ Perform general laboratory housekeeping, including cleaning, disinfecting, sweeping, mopping, organizing, and maintaining the overall aesthetics of the lab.

+ Collaborate with production and other internal teams by communicating test results and supporting ongoing projects.

+ Perform other related laboratory duties as assigned to support the growth and development of the lab.

Essential Skills

+ Hands-on wet chemistry experience, including pH measurement, titrations, and acid-base preparation.

+ Ability to perform sample preparation techniques such as weighing, pipetting, and volumetric dilutions with high accuracy.

+ Analytical laboratory experience with instruments such as HPLC, ICP, ICP-MS, AA, or similar analytical technologies.

+ Understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

+ Capability to work alone and independently without direct supervision while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

+ Strong interpersonal and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and interact effectively with team members.

+ Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for reporting data and collaborating with others.

+ Responsive problem-solving skills and an action-oriented mindset to address laboratory challenges quickly and effectively.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel, for data entry, manipulation, and basic analysis.

+ Associate's degree in a scientific discipline with 1-2 years of laboratory experience, preferably with analytical laboratory exposure.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in a scientific field (such as chemistry, biochemistry, or related sciences) is beneficial.

+ Experience working in food, beverage, or related ingredient manufacturing environments is an advantage.

+ Experience in quality control testing for raw materials and finished goods is preferred.

+ Familiarity with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other analytical instruments used in chemical analysis.

+ Comfort working as the first dedicated laboratory hire and interest in growing into a lab lead or manager role as the lab expands.

+ Ability to collaborate with production teams and administrative staff in a small, closely knit organization.

+ Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate and reproducible analytical data.

Work Environment

The position is a first-shift schedule typically running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The work involves regular use of wet chemistry techniques and analytical instruments such as HPLC and ICP-MS, with a strong emphasis on GMP and GLP compliance, safety, and cleanliness. The laboratory environment requires comfort working independently, maintaining a high level of organization, and…