Assistant Insect Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

Sumitomo Biorational is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Sumitomo Biorational operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

The Sumitomo Biorational manufacturing site located on an expansive 73-acre site in Osage, IA is a state of the art 130,000 square foot plant and is the largest purpose-built biorational facility in the world. It serves as the manufacturing and quality control center for Sumitomo Biorational broad portfolio of fermentation products.

Job Summary and Key Objectives

This temporary, full-time position will support the QC Entomology laboratory with a primary focus on housekeeping, cleaning, sanitization, and general laboratory support activities. The position will assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant insectary and laboratory environment to support the day-to-day work of Entomology Analysts.

In addition to housekeeping responsibilities, the individual may assist Entomology Analysts with basic laboratory support tasks, insectary support activities, preparation of materials, record completion, and other routine duties as assigned and as trained. The individual must follow written procedures, maintain good documentation practices, and perform assigned work without compromising laboratory quality, safety, or containment requirements.

Essential Functions

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly housekeeping, cleaning, and sanitization activities within the QC Entomology laboratory and insectary areas.
• Clean and organize laboratory work areas, equipment, supplies, carts, benches, and designated storage areas.
• Assist with routine cleaning of laboratory equipment and instrumentation as directed.
• Support proper disposal, segregation, and handling of laboratory waste in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Assist Entomology Analysts with basic day-to-day laboratory support activities as assigned and trained.
• Assist with preparation, staging, and organization of materials and supplies needed for Entomology testing or insectary activities.
• Assist with basic insect colony support activities under direction, which may include handling supplies, preparing materials, or supporting routine maintenance activities.
• Assist with preparation of insect diets or other routine materials as directed and trained.
• Complete assigned logs, cleaning records, test records, or other documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Follow approved SOPs, work instructions, safety procedures, and containment requirements.
• Notify the supervisor or designated analyst of any abnormal conditions, cleaning issues, equipment concerns, supply shortages, or potential deviations.

Responsibilities — ISO/IEC 17025 and Quality System Support

• Comply with the Quality Management System in accordance with applicable Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Follow standard test methods, SOPs, work instructions, and applicable quality procedures.
• Document assigned quality activities accurately and completely.
• Notify the supervisor if facility, environmental, housekeeping, or containment conditions are not suitable for laboratory activities.
• Identify and report deviations, nonconforming work, safety concerns, or unusual observations to the supervisor or designated personnel.
• Participate in corrective and preventive actions, investigations, and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Maintain assigned work areas, materials, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.

Authorities — As Assigned and Trained

• Authorized to perform assigned housekeeping, cleaning, sanitization, and laboratory support activities according to documented training and competency.
• Authorized to complete assigned records, logs, and documentation related to cleaning and support activities.
• Authorized to operate designated laboratory equipment only after appropriate training.
• Authorized to assist with basic Entomology support activities under supervision.
• Authorized to report unsuitable laboratory, insectary, safety, or environmental conditions to supervision.

Additional Responsibilities and Tasks

• Support laboratory testing schedules by ensuring assigned cleaning and preparation activities are completed on time.
• Assist with organization and inventory of supplies, materials, and consumables.
• Assist with movement, staging, or preparation of laboratory materials as directed.
• Support Entomology Analysts with basic non-technical or routine technical tasks as appropriate for training level.
• Maintain flexibility to work occasional off-shift, weekend, or overtime hours as required to meet business needs.
• Maintain compliance with all department and company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and manager.

Preferred Qualifications and Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous laboratory, housekeeping, sanitation, manufacturing, quality control, or regulated-environment experience preferred.
• Ability to comprehend, follow, and execute written procedures.
• Good documentation practices required.
• Ability to work carefully and consistently in a laboratory environment.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with analysts, supervisors, and other laboratory personnel.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while performing repetitive cleaning or support tasks.
• Experience with Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, biosafety, or chemical hygiene requirements preferred.
• Willingness to complete required training before performing assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity required for laboratory tasks.

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment with exposure to biological materials, chemicals, and controlled organisms.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• Compliance with GLP, GMP, laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene, food safety, and EPA/APHIS environmental containment requirements is mandatory.

Base Salary: The estimated base salary for this position ranges from: $22.00 to $24.00/hour. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Sumitomo Biorational, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

• Valent U.S.A. and Sumitomo Biorational are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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To apply visit:

https://www.valentbiosciences.com/careers/