Temporary Laboratory Technician

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for maintaining a clean, professional and safe working environment in the laboratory. They run multiple tests according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), ensure timely completion of tests, and report any results that are out of range to the Quality Manager. This role is largely self‑directed and requires an understanding of company policy, procedures and values. This is an on‑site role located in Cloverdale, IN.

• Maintain a clean, professional and safe working environment in the laboratory.
• Perform quality control tests on product streams.
• Coordinate test results with operators to ensure optimum quality and efficiency.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and provide supply orders to the Quality Manager.
• Perform tests in accordance with approved POET SOPs and according to the frequency established by the Quality Manager and/or Operations.
• Ensure all data is entered in a timely manner.
• Ensure all Quality Control Standards, duplicates and cross‑validations are completed as established by POET Biorefining SOP.
• Perform NIR IT (PQ) testing on a weekly basis and report any test failures to the Quality Manager.
• Notify the Quality Manager when any quality control standards are not within specified limits.
• Work with operations on special testing requests.
• Meet call‑in requirements and work extended hours as necessary.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Candidates applying for Laboratory Technician I positions must have basic troubleshooting skills and prior analytical experience. Candidates applying for Laboratory Technician II positions must hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or a related science, and have prior experience with environmental testing, cGMP, PI, QC and PQ reporting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs is required.

• High level of personal integrity.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person with individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Excellent organization, time management and communication skills.
• Innovative mindset and the ability to think objectively.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Frequent sitting in a laboratory chair.
• Carry up to 15 lbs, stand indoors, reach at arm’s length to gather samples, bend while standing, and use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area.
• Occasional walking indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces.
• Climb stairs and/or ladders.
• Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrist, and hand positions; bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch while holding light and medium weighted objects.
• Work at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from –20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors.
• Use equipment such as forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front end loaders, various hand tools, and computers.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.