Food Lab Technician

Food Lab Technician page is loaded## Food Lab Technician locations:
US - Lakeland, FLtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
21206
** Responsibilities:
*** Work with Food Laboratory staff to conduct pathogen challenge studies and shelf-life studies in food products.
* Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as directed.
* Prepare and maintain media and chemical solutions utilizing proper handling, storage, use, and disposal techniques to ensure safety, hygiene, and integrity of results.
* Record and enter data accurately and communicate results on a specified timeline.
* Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications.
* Perform basic food microbiology testing, including sample preparation, inoculation, plating with culture and 3M Petrifilm(R) methods, and rapid tests according to lab procedures.
* Assist with maintaining an extensive microorganism library.
* Perform basic food chemistry (pH, aW) and food texture analyses.
* Conduct or assist with special projects as necessary, which could include non-standard analyses, development of methods, validation of new equipment and production of benchtop food samples.
* Key performance measurements will include but may not be limited to: timeliness and proficiency in laboratory activities, accuracy and thoroughness documenting results, upkeep and organization of the laboratory, and contribution to enhancing lab practices and methods.
*
* Required Skills:

*** Competencies in basic microbiology techniques should include pipetting, performing serial dilutions, Gram staining, visual organism identification, spread/pour plating, reading plates.
* Basic computer skills, including use of MS Excel
* Good verbal and written communication skills
*
* Working Conditions:

*** Up to 100% of time will be spent in a laboratory setting.
* Must be able to work safely with foodborne pathogens (including, but not limited to,
* coli* O157:

H7,
* Salmonella* spp., and
* Listeria monocytogenes*) in a BSL-2 environment.
* Must be able to handle food products of all types without objection.
* Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
* May require extended periods of sitting and/or standing with occasional kneeling or crouching.
*
* Basic Qualifications:

*** BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas (Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or hard sciences like Chemistry or Organic/Bio-chemistry)
* Local candidates are preferred.
* Skills and/or knowledge that will be advanced: microbiological techniques for the food industry, quality analyses for the food industry, experimental design and data analysis, basic food formulation and processing for a variety of applications, food safety regulations in North America
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