Lab Technician

Location: Belvidere

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician supports analytical and formulation development activities by preparing samples and materials, performing basic laboratory tests, and maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant laboratory environment. This role contributes directly to quality control, research and development, and continuous improvement initiatives by executing routine testing, documenting results accurately, and supporting day-to-day laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

+ Support the laboratory team by managing and preparing lab supplies, glassware, diluents, mobile phases, and other materials required for analytical testing.

+ Perform basic laboratory testing such as pH, viscosity, specific gravity, physical appearance, and other physical and chemical test methods on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.

+ Conduct routine sample preparation activities, including manual or mechanical expression of samples, following established procedures and technical instructions.

+ Record observations and test results accurately in accordance with good documentation practices and promptly communicate unexpected results or observations to the supervising scientist.

+ Set up, verify, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instrumentation to ensure accurate, reliable, and compliant test results.

+ Perform data analysis and maintain a compliant laboratory notebook using an electronic notebook system, following good documentation practice (GDP).

+ Maintain day-to-day laboratory readiness by cleaning, organizing, and returning glassware, pipettes, reusable supplies, and laboratory utensils to designated locations.

+ Keep assigned work areas, storage locations, and shared equipment safe, clean, and orderly while supporting lab safety and 5S goals within analytical and packaging laboratories.

+ Perform documented routine checks, verifications, cleaning, and basic care of laboratory equipment such as balances and pH meters.

+ Promptly report equipment issues, damaged glassware, expired materials, supply shortages, and safety concerns to the appropriate laboratory owner or supervisor.

+ Monitor laboratory chemicals, glassware, supplies, and consumables, checking materials for proper identification, condition, and expiration status.

+ Support inventory management by updating records, assisting with ordering and receipt of materials, and organizing supplies and consumables.

+ Dispose of chemical, glass, sharps, and other designated laboratory waste according to established procedures and safety requirements.

Essential Skills

+ 1-3 years of experience in a quality control (QC) or research and development (R&D) laboratory.

+ Hands-on experience with pH measurement, density testing, wet titration, solution preparation, and sample preparation.

+ Experience performing finished product testing and basic formulation work.

+ Knowledge of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and wet chemistry techniques.

+ Familiarity with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analytical chemistry methods.

+ Proficiency in general lab testing within chemistry, biology, microbiology, or related laboratory disciplines.

+ Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

+ Ability to follow explicit directions, multitask, and maintain diligent, accurate records.

+ Strong integrity and commitment to performing work in a compliant and ethical manner.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

+ Computer proficiency with MS Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.

+ Ability to use electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

+ Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Associate's or…