Lab Technician

Job#: 3034674

Job Description:

Seeking a Lab Technician to join a Food & Beverage company in the Media, PA area.

Job Summary:

The Laboratory Analyst will perform laboratory testing in order to provide accurate, timely data to support the manufacture of products that meet all marketing, regulatory, customer, and internal requirements. Use discretionary judgment to take appropriate corrective action as indicated by test results and quality assurance protocol. Assist the Quality Assurance Manager in special projects, good manufacturing practice (GMP) programs, quality standards, creation and design of product testing protocols, and training programs.

Principal Duties:

* Prioritize best food safety practices by following all processes and procedures and report any food safety issues to the supervisor or manager.

* Collect and test production samples of fluid dairy, beverage and juice products to verify compliance to product specifications using approved chemical, microbiological and sensory test methods. Utilize discretionary judgment to release compliant product to Operations and hold non-compliant product from further processing.

* Record, track and evaluate test data for trends. Report non-conforming results or trends to the QA Manager and Dairy Production Supervisors. Initiate root cause analysis.

* Monitor and enforce quality control standards and principles for dairy production, storage and distribution.

* Collect samples of co-packed products distributed through the Beverage Warehouse and ship to third party laboratory for testing. Record, track and evaluate test data. Report non-conforming test results to the QA Manager.

* Sample and test incoming raw ingredients and validate that ingredients meet specifications. Follow established quality assurance protocol to accept or reject incoming ingredients. Record, track and evaluate data obtained. Report non-conforming results to the Beverage QA Manager.

* Complete duties that shall include but are not limited to sample collection, analytical testing including wet chemistry, sensory and microbiological testing.

* Maintain records for regulatory and internal review, including Quality Assurance SOP Manual, calibration, product testing protocols, laboratory training documentation, and corrective actions to non-conforming test results.

* Complete data input and data integrity maintenance, interpret trends, research customer and store dairy product complaints and write reports.

* Complete environmental testing. Test for pathogens weekly using aseptic swabbing technique and prepare sample for third party pick up.

* Complete pre-operational testing. Verify equipment sanitation utilizing ATP testing as assigned.

* Perform GMP audits, tank and cold storage temperature checks, glass and brittle plastic audit and food safety audits

* Perform audits of food safety systems such as Juice and Dairy HACCP weekly or as required. Perform quarterly safety audits of the laboratory.

* Perform checks, calibrations, maintenance of all laboratory equipment as scheduled and in accordance with good laboratory practice. Perform minor repairs to laboratory equipment as required.

* Maintain laboratory information system (LIMS) by updating software and interfacing with internal and vendor IT support.

* Collect and ship dairy samples to third party laboratory for required testing by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture as scheduled.

* Complete Allergen testing to verify SOP for dairy to non-dairy filler changeover.

Essential Functions:

* Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment

* Good oral and written communication skills

* Strong customer service skills

* Ability to work with little or no supervision

* Detail oriented and strong organizational and time management skills

* Good analytical skills

* Performs the following physical behaviors frequently throughout their shift: standing, walking and handling

* Performs the following physical behaviors occasionally throughout their shift: reaching horizontally, reaching above the shoulder, reaching below waist, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, pushing, grasping firmly and pushing buttons

* Must be able to lift up to 40lbs

* Must be able to push/pull a cart with wheels that has up to 240lbs

* Proven ability to solve complex problems and the ability to work with various department leads in a team environment

* Ability to adapt to an environment of constant change

* Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend work, multiple shifts, and some holidays

Basic Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science preferred

* Strong knowledge of laboratory testing procedures, protocols, and techniques

* Knowledge and understanding of computers and Microsoft programs

Only local candidates will be considered.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth,…