Food Testing Laboratory Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Group Leader

Department: LC/GC/Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
 Location: Oregon
 FLSA Status: Exempt
 Salary: Approximately $79,200 annually, depending on experience (DOE)

About the Company

We are an international analytical laboratory committed to global food health and safety through the analytical testing services we provide to our clients.

Mission of the Role

The Group Leader performs an essential role by leading the laboratory testing group to provide high-quality testing services for clients through continuous sample flow while maintaining the QA/QC conditions of the department. This position ensures that testing and method development are conducted accordingly while managing procedural efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise the daily operation of work for the laboratory testing group, ensuring punctual sample flow, quality, accuracy, consistency, and completeness of results. Assume technical responsibilities, including analytical duties, as necessary.
• Consult with other department supervisors to allocate workload assignments based on current personnel resources as needed.
• Counsel employees working within the department regarding challenges encountered.
• Provide performance management of department staff in accordance with company policies while supporting technical and professional growth.
• Coordinate the management of department resources in cooperation with the Laboratory Manager, including allocation of staffing and equipment and maintenance of general laboratory supplies.
• Assist the Laboratory Manager, in collaboration with other department supervisors, with the coordination of laboratory operations for the group and other department Chemists.
• Lead the research, development, and implementation of the latest technologies and methods.
• Support the Quality Management System and regulatory compliance in cooperation with the QA Manager. Respond to QA findings or corrective actions for activities within the department. Implement data validation, internal quality control, and process review steps as necessary to ensure data quality and maintenance of laboratory accreditations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement and marketing of laboratory operations through market research and participation in internal and external trainings, networking events, conferences, trade shows, and other opportunities. Provide technical insights to laboratory management.
• Implement and enforce safety regulations and codes. Work safely using appropriate safeguards and personal protective equipment to prevent injury to self or coworkers. Report accidents or unsafe working conditions to the safety committee or management.
• Act as a technical resource for sales and client inquiries.
• Perform and assist in training and serve as a resource and mentor to Chemist 1, 2, and 3 positions.
• Support Chemist 2 and 3 through review of data packages submitted by Chemists working within the department and other departments as needed or directed.
• Perform responsibilities and duties of Chemist 1, 2, and 3 as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manage direct-report Chemist 1, 2, and 3 positions within the department. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising employee performance and assisting in career development; addressing complaints and reporting them to the Laboratory Manager; and resolving problems.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry or a related science from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills & Experience

• Successful experience working independently and a thorough understanding of department-specific instruments with conventional, MS, MSMS, HR-MSMS Orbitrap detectors, and other new technologies, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Analytical method troubleshooting and development.
• Successful experience mentoring and training others, specifically experience training in extraction, analytical, and instrument methodology.
• Successful experience collaborating with different business departments.
• Connections with relevant external organizations.
• Familiarity with the laboratory business environment.
• Experience with improvement initiatives.
• Experience with learning initiatives.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Good cultural awareness and ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.

Performance Factors

• Quality of Work
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Knowledge and Skills
• Initiative
• Dependability
• Team Building
• Development of People
• Business Development

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write Standard Operating Procedures, analytical methods, reports, business correspondence, and additional laboratory documentation.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, and quadratic equations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to