Senior Lab Scientist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

• This position has above average analytical ability. Performs both routine and nonroutine quality control testing including the trouble shooting of instrumentation problems.

• Reports to the Quality Supervisor or Laboratory Supervisor.

• Education: A Batchelor’s degree in Chemistry or other related science field with lab work in general, analytical and/or organic chemistry is preferred - although suitable laboratory work experience may be substituted.
• Experience: Should have a minimum of four (4) years in commercial laboratory performing physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis and experience trouble shooting HPLC & GC instrument issues. Knowledge of ICP operation and nutrient analysis (preferred) 

• Skills:
• Demonstrate ability to accurately perform routine and non-routine tasks with limited supervision
• Understand and recognize sources of error in analytical work • Demonstrate the ability to relate past experiences with current situations.
• Ability to assist in development and/or writing of new procedures and revising old procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of production & packaging along with a general knowledge of plant production/packaging QC sampling techniques.
• Should have excellent knowledge of basic lab instruments used for physical testing and proficient understanding and ability to perform chemical analysis using HPLC and GC along with a general ability to trouble shoot problems related to HPLC & GC analysis instrumentation.

• Complexity of Duties: Requires the ability to interpret analytical results for accuracy, credibility, compliance with specifications; recognize problems with results and begin investigation to resolve/correct errors (assistance from supervision may be required). Recognizes problems in product quality and assists operations to resolve (or minimize) the extent of the problem.
• Supervision Received: Minimal direct supervision by Lab Supervisor, Lab Lead or designated alternate.
• Supervision Exercised: None. May provide training to lower level lab technicians on lab procedures/techniques including general procedures, physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis and HPLC/GC troubleshooting.
• Impact on Operations: Accuracy of work and ability to spot problem areas that have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the quality control program. Since this position is the front-line trouble shooter in the lab, proficiency in this area can have a pronounced effect on the continued effectiveness of the quality control program.
• Contacts: Has direct contact with all plant personnel including plant management.
• Environment: This position works primarily in the laboratory areas. Requires good physical, visual and mental attention. On occasion special safety equipment may be required for entry into a hazardous manufacturing area. 
• Waste Disposal: Highly knowledgeable in appropriate ways of handling of RCRA hazardous wastes generated by the lab processes in accordance with all appropriate regulatory requirements.

• All responsibilities of Mid-level Laboratory technician.
• Complete physical testing and chemical analysis on samples as well as other assigned jobs on time in a proper manner.
• Accurately complete testing and analysis to minimize retests on same sample.
• Understand and follow lab and company policies.
• Responsible for proper identification, categorization, isolation, remediation, containerizing RCRA hazardous waste generated in the assigned process area and in accordance with all appropriate regulatory and company regulatory requirements.
• Monitor supply of standardization reagents, AI standards, internal standard and mobile phase solutions currently being used to keep lab prepared and notifying the Lab Leader or Supervisor of supply shortages. Prepare internal standard and mobile phase solutions as needed due to shortage, new product analysis or analysis issues.
• Notify the Lab Leader or Supervisor of all discrepancies in results or other indications of analytical problems.
• Maintain good relationship with all areas of the plant and plant management.
• Assist in Division and Plant quality programs as requested.
• Able to be a complete self-starter, think for themselves and pay great attention to detail.
• Must be fully certified on Senior Level Lab Technician procedures within 12 months of promotion and be recertified biennially.
• A Senior Lab Technician will not be considered for promotion if he/she is on probation for any reason.

• All skills and abilities of Mid-level Laboratory technician.
• Demonstrated experience of leadership ability
• Show increased skills for training lower level positions beyond Mid-level Lab technician requirements.
• Recognize complex problems with lab analytical equipment and in most cases can resolve the problem without or with minimal support
• Recognize analytical problems and know typical techniques to resolve
• Excellent knowledge of basic lab instruments used for physical testing and proficient understanding and ability to perform chemical analysis using HPLC and GC along with a general ability to trouble shoot problems related to HPLC & GC analysis instrumentation.
• Able to write new analytical procedures or update existing procedures
• Has a good working knowledge of the production areas
• Able to perform special projects with minimal support from Lab Leader or Supervisor
• Able to set up analytical instrumentation for a new campaign on an existing product line

• B. S. Degree in Chemistry

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

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