Food Lab Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Contributes to the operational efficiency in the Laboratory. The primary function of this job will require workers to follow all SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) and approved laboratory methods to ensure all products are compliant with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations; NSF GMP standards; SQF food safety certification standards; non-GMO (genetically modified organism), Oregon Tilth organic, and Demeter Biodynamic certification standards; and our exceptionally high manufacturing standards; and help ensure that product is available to ship as scheduled.

Actively and cooperatively participate as a member of the Research and Lab Services Department to ensure that dietary supplements manufactured at OWH meet quality standards. Perform and complete laboratory work as outlined in the department’s active job responsibility listing.

Key Function/Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee all functions of the laboratory and delegate responsibilities
• Perform tests and evaluations on raw material, intermediate, or finished product for identity, purity, potency, and composition. Uphold high standards of theoretical and practical knowledge to satisfactorily perform tests and evaluations as necessary and interpret data within the laboratory. Cross-train on laboratory skills to provide coverage as needed for laboratory and departmental tasks.
• Provide support and technical assistance/guidance to department staff. This includes guidance on techniques, troubleshooting, method use, and quality control.
• Review laboratory data and reports for accuracy, content, and adherence to departmental and company standards. Ensure that the laboratory meets regulatory, specification, and customer requirements in work performed by the department. Consult with regulators, suppliers, and customers, and interpret laboratory results as needed.
• Input results, move, and release/reject materials in SAGE.
• Contribute to research activities as needed and engage in independent research projects as assigned.
• Participate in continuing education, actively participate in relevant professional associations, attend classes and seminars, and collaborate for publication of papers as needed.
• Through continuing education and training, comply with all OWH Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and maintain a clean and orderly work area
• Participate in quality-control check programs, such as proficiency testing.
• Communicate with relevant staff to ensure all company policies and procedures are being followed.
• Evaluate and introduce, where appropriate, new laboratory products, equipment, techniques, and methodologies for use in tests and evaluations.
• Perform investigations on materials and products that do not conform to OWH’s quality standards, out-of-specification results, and product complaints. Document/submit findings to applicable staff and assist with disposition decisions.
• Update and create logs, forms, and methods under management direction.
• Participate in Research and Development. Assist in all areas of R&D as needed, including preparation of lab-sized samples from new formulas and assessing organoleptics, designing stress tests for the product, and packaging samples for stability.
• Perform other duties as assigned by upper management
• Manage and develop laboratory staff 

    10+ years of laboratory experience in chemistry, microbiology, biology, or a closely related field required. Experience with microbiology testing, high-performance liquid (HPLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and heavy-metal analysis is preferred but not required. 

• Background in method development and validation preferred
• Experience in a production, quality control, or related field preferred
• Must be organized, dependable, accurate, and possess integrity and commitment to high-quality standards
• Working in a fast-paced, team environment with minimal supervision
• Able to use laboratory measuring devices, microscopes, and computers
• Excellent analytical skills with advanced math/algebra functions
• Issues, reviews, and maintains laboratory notebooks, logbooks, and other documentation in accordance with good laboratory practices.
• Responsibly assists in fiscal budgeting for the lab, scheduling expenditures, and cost-saving projects
• Determining operational and performance qualifications
• Performing risk assessments for testing analysis
• Assist in audit programs
• Well-organized and detail-oriented with proven effective communication skills (both oral and written).
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate and work well with others in a collaborative, team environment.
• Helps support lab inventory systems of general laboratory supplies, arranges ordering to prevent shortages, and follows up with vendors.
• Performs basic instrument verifications (e.g., balances, pH meter, pipettes), cleaning, and preventative maintenance, and may communicate with vendors to schedule instrument service visits and update service contracts
• PC proficiency with Excel, Word, and Outlook