Quality Control Lab Analyst Jobs in Norway, IA (NOW HIRING)

Our Quality Control Team is seeking a Senior Analyst who will develop, implement and oversee the quality control lab efforts. You would also be responsible for both tactical and strategic roles with deep data analysis and reporting requirements. You would work onsite in our lab and regularly visit the production floor and other locations as directed. Our Senior Analyst will also be involved in other disciplines such as sensory analysis, chemistry, microbiology, and/or microscopy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements lab strategies and testing to ensure products are tested and compliant with regulatory and internal standards
• Build strong test plans, including sampling plans to ensure both safety and quality of incoming, processed, and finished goods
• Confidence presenting in front of leadership and outside agencies that could include regulatory agencies
• Understands, maintains, improves and updates all technical systems in the lab including, but not limited to, LIMS, specification system, and testing equipment
• Represents Quality Control within cross-functional teams, including but not limited to New Product Teams
• Has a critical role in assuring product safety, quality, continuous improvement, and assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems
• Develops and validates methods, GLPs and SOPs
• Lead projects relating to the development of laboratory optimization, functionality, test methods, and method validation
• Understands and adheres to current ISO, USP, AOAC, and/or FDA guidance and standards for method validation
• Conducts research effectively by maintaining accurate records of experiments and testing performed, conducting relevant literature searches, and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of all current methods of experimentation
• Maintain their knowledge base and be well versed in design of experiments, statistical analysis, as well as development and validation of methods for quality control and authenticity evaluations of herbs, spices, dietary supplement and food ingredients
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment, and instruments. Some examples are; Ro-tap, pipettes, balances, pH meters, HPLC, IR spectrometer, GC, etc.; daily duties may include running instruments and sample testing
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development training as needed, and participating in industry and professional organizations
• Research and defend specifications/procedures by reviewing and pulling information from various reference materials (books, trade journals, scientific papers, and published methods including but not limited to: ASTA, AHPH, AFNOR, and ISO
• Train and mentor team members on relevant techniques that may involve instrument use, business practices, method development, and SOPs
• Able to research product attributes in reference books, trade and scientific journals. Interacts with departmental and interdepartmental personnel to solve product issues
• Provides functional supervision for approximately 10% of their time by directing the work activity of other employees, but is not responsible for hiring, termination, evaluation, pay decisions, or corrective action
• Take responsibility for safety within the department and actively assess hazards in their department and find solutions to those hazards
• Other duties may be assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This includes a continuous requirement to be a non-tobacco user as well as avoiding the personal use of perfumes, scents or fragrances while on the job. The additional requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Our ideal candidate will possess a BS in biology, chemistry, food science or related other field from four-year college or university; and 4 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Background experience working withspices, botanicals or herbs is beneficial as well as a thorough understanding of ISO17025 including implementation and maintenance.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend detailed instructions, correspondence, reports, and memos. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with a variety of people and respond to basic questions in situations where common courtesy and tact are needed. Confidence to present to all levels of the organization plus customers and suppliers.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work independently
• Ability to work efficiently, effectively, while applying critical thinking with little or no supervision
• Understands and applies good laboratory practices
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work within a professional and functional team concept
• Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft office, database, and LIMS software
• Ability to navigate and utilize web-based applications
• Ability to always maintain a tobacco free lifestyle

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to type, handle, or feel and taste or smell. Employees frequently are required to stand, walk, sit, and view a computer monitor or video display. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision, necessary to evaluate products effectively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.