Lab Operations Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams.   We are currently looking to hire a Lab Technician based in Mt. Crawford, VA!   The Lab Technician is a self-driven/self-motivated candidate capable of working proficiently, both independently and as part of a team.  The successful individual must have a passion for safety and be able to foster effective working relationships built upon trust and respect within all levels of the organization.  Persons must possess excellent communication skills to effectively interact on a timely basis via appropriate communication media both internally and externally.  Persons must possess strong technical and computer related skills.  The successful individual will monitor, test, record, and react on data pertaining to products/production processes/quality systems to ensure the highest standards of quality and food safety are met or exceeded and products produced are in compliance with federal, state, and company specifications.  Persons must be capable of producing accurate results, while multi-tasking in a fast-paced work environment.  Persons must anticipate problems/conflicts, problem-solve and react accordingly, and maintain a proactive approach to all work tasks and any issues as they arise.  The lab technician must be cross trained on all laboratory functions and must maintain a thorough knowledge of laboratory equipment to include operation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.  The lab technician must interpret, understand, support, and have working knowledge of Plant/Corporate protocols and programs, as well as facility systems, including informational/operational/management systems.  The successful individual will also actively support new system installations and implementations and seek to continually maintain reliability.  The successful individual implements continuous improvements within all systems and seeks to minimize waste and loss.  The lab technician will assist/train/coach employees within all levels of the organization in regards to quality and food safety related topics. In this role, you will be responsible for:  Ensure adherence to plant standards (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, CODES, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE).

As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate in and own the implementation and deployment of IWS or related integrated work systems and corresponding pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.Work safely, as well as report and assist in mitigating all safety concernsComprehend and support plant/corporate protocols and programs, as well as facility systems, including informational/operational/management systems such as Sample6, IQS/Sigma, and Ignition.Communicate effectively with other departments, leadership or management, and employees including notifying appropriate teams when problems and/or concerns ariseWork independently or within a team, with and without supervisionAbility to prioritize and multi-task to ensure that all job functions are completed accurately in a timely mannerFacilitate, attend and participate in team meetings and programsPerform analytical, chemical, microbiological, and allergenic analysis both routine and episodicProvide oversight for facility systems and actively participate and support the development, implementation, day to day operation, and maintenance of checks and balance programs such as coding checks, OQI (operator quality inspection) review, batch ownership including batch correction, and filler inspections.Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format and completed with all required informationAnticipate problems/conflicts, problem-solve, and reactReact to data, perform out-of-specification mitigationProperly manage product inventory utilizing programs such as SAP and SharePointMonitor, operate, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instruments and equipment without assistance Participate in laboratory Specialist ProgramAttend and practice all required trainingUtilize root cause analysis thought process, maintain a proactive approach, and support sustainable solutionsContributes to a continuous improvement mindset, actively participate in identifying and correcting opportunities to improve processes including participation in the creation and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions, the creation and maintenance of preventative maintenance standards, the writing of One Point Lessons, and participation in continuous improvement methodology eventsFollow QMS, Good Manufacturing Practices and 5S methodology to maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area, maintaining audit ready status at all timesActively participate in Pillar activities (i.e. Quality, Focused Improvement, Safety, etc.) including but not limited to observations, inspections, and recommendations.Supports plant production needs and priorities to achieve plant goalsAssist, train, and coach employees.Comply with all regulations, policies and proceduresAll other duties as assigned or become evident Danone North America offers a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, Retirement, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.    QualificationsThis section identifies the minimum job specifications required to perform the job. Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExcellent verbal and written communication skills Strong teamwork skillsAbility to work without direct supervisionAbility to manage high pressure situations calmlyAbility to learn all functions of job and complete required trainings for position within a reasonable amount of timeAbility to prioritize and multitaskProven decision-making abilityAbility to read, understand, and follow written instructionsAbility to keep accurate recordsProficiency in basic laboratory equipment (i.e. pipets, pH meters, balances)Ability to perform troubleshooting tasksProficiency in MS Office and basic PC skillsAbility to work various hours and shifts Able to work overtime when requiredFlexibilityEducation and ExperienceAssociate or Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Bio-Technology, Food Science, or comparable program.  (Or equivalent combination of education and experience).Achieve and maintain required certifications and training Materials and Equipment Directly Used:Various laboratory instruments and equipment to include manual and electronic devices; subject to change with business.Office machinery including: computers/tablets, printers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.Software including:  Microsoft Office including Outlook, SmartsheetsIndustrial power equipment (Electric carts, forklift, scissor, pallet jack, etc.) Working ConditionsPhysical Demands:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear.  The employee will lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Specific hearing requirements include ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken volume levels. Work Environment:  Work is performed throughout the facility and includes limited exposure to adverse conditions such as cold/hot areas and loud noise.

Potential hazards include, but are not limited to, proximity of moving machinery, chemical exposure, noise, and heavy lifting. The position may require an individual to stand, stoop, move equipment; bend, reach, or lift for prolonged periods of time. Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, hearing protection, slip resistant steel toed shoes, and any other devices prescribed for specific testing or routines.Danone U.S.

is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free,  ST K® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®. With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet.

Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law.

For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.#LI-DNPCalifornia Data Privacy Law