Senior Lab Technician - ICP

Job Title:

Sr. Lab Technician - ICP

Job Description

Lab Technician - ICP supports advanced analytical testing in a quality-focused production environment, serving as a technical resource for laboratory operations. In this role, you operate and optimize sophisticated instrumentation, generate reliable data for process decisions, and contribute to troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives. You combine strong analytical chemistry expertise, practical problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of laboratory testing programs.

Responsibilities

+ Ensure strict compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all work areas, making safe work practices a top priority.

+ Actively participate in safety meetings and contribute to the identification and mitigation of workplace hazards.

+ Support the drafting, review, and improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory equipment and processes.

+ Operate and maintain ICP-OES and ICP-MS instrumentation for quantitative determination of metals in solutions, leachates, and process materials.

+ Operate X-ray diffraction (XRD) equipment to identify and quantify mineralogical and crystalline phases in a variety of samples.

+ Support complementary analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), particle sizing (Mastersizer), and other methods as required by the laboratory.

+ Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for new process matrices and prototype materials to meet evolving testing needs.

+ Prepare and verify calibration standards, calibration curves, and certified reference materials to ensure accurate and traceable measurements.

+ Perform instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting for ICP and related equipment, coordinating with the Laboratory Coordinator or ICP Specialist when needed.

+ Interpret, validate, and report analytical results within the laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring clarity and accuracy of data.

+ Communicate analytical findings and trends to the laboratory coordination team to support process control and decision-making.

+ Support root cause investigations and nonconformance analyses through detailed analytical characterization and data review.

+ Provide technical oversight to junior technicians in sample and solution preparation, ensuring proper technique, traceability, and data integrity.

+ Identify and implement opportunities to improve test methods, reduce analysis turnaround times, and enhance instrument reliability and uptime.

+ Support external audits aligned with site-applicable standards such as ISO 9001 and other quality frameworks.

+ Prioritize and organize workflow in a fast-paced environment to meet testing deadlines and production requirements.

+ Apply a proactive approach to solving complex analytical problems and addressing unexpected results or instrument issues.

+ Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement, quality, and accuracy of results in all laboratory activities.

+ Mentor and train junior lab staff, sharing best practices and fostering a culture of learning and technical excellence.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

+ 1-2+ years of hands-on experience operating ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, XRD, or UV-Vis instrumentation.

+ 1-2+ years of prior experience working in a quality control laboratory environment.

+ Practical experience with sample digestion techniques for inorganic analysis, including acid digestion and microwave digestion.

+

Experience with trace metals analysis, including calibration curve preparation and use of certified reference materials (CRMs), strongly preferred.

+ Solid understanding of statistics as applied to quality control, method validation, and interpretation of analytical data.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear technical guidance and leadership.

+ High attention to detail and a strong commitment to data integrity and documentation accuracy.

+ Ability to work independently under pressure while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines in a production-oriented setting.

+ in analytical chemistry and wet chemistry techniques within a laboratory environment.

+ Familiarity with GMP, quality control, and quality assurance principles in manufacturing or laboratory settings.

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Experience with HPLC or related analytical instrumentation is an asset.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Ability to prioritize and organize workflow effectively in a fast-paced, production-focused environment.

+ Proactive mindset for solving complex analytical and instrumentation problems.

+ Strong commitment to continuous improvement, quality, and accuracy of analytical results.

+ Willingness and ability to mentor, train, and support junior…