Laboratory Technician (early morning shift!)

Job description

We are looking for candidates for a swab shift position. This person will conduct the normal analyst duties, but also help with microbiological swabbing and the environmental pathogen monitoring program. The hours are 3:30am – 12pm Monday - Friday. Overtime is available sometimes during those shifts or possibly on off days as they learn and grow with the department.

• 6 month contract-to-hire
• pay rate: $19/hr

Position Summary:

The analyst position is key in maintaining the quality of incoming ingredients, in line product, and finished product. This person shall report any non conformance of finished product to the QA Supervisor or Manager.

Essential Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

Collect samples of ingredients, products or packages and monitor test according to established procedures; monitor processes to ensure they are operating consistently; document neatly and precisely all results; Label and maintain samples of ingredients and samples for retains and shelf life monitoring; organize collected data for management review; maintain lab equipment in a clean and orderly fashion; communicate non compliant results immediately to management; monitor plant for compliance to GMP’s; recommend methods to improve and process to reduce waste, improve productivity, improve quality and/or consistency; accurately weigh colors, flavors and other small ingredients; test R&D samples for Food Safety & specification development.

Specific Tests/Skills

• Analyze the pH, viscosity, water activity, brix, density, taste, color, texture and appearance of ingredients, in-process, and finished products
• Perform titrations to obtain salt, lactic and acetic acid concentrations
• Prepare flavors and dyes for ingredients
• Inspect production lines and validate integrity of all testing components
• Assist in projects involving shelf life studies and auditing retains

Key contacts with: QA associates, production, shipping and receiving

Working Conditions/Environment:

Works in a manufacturing environment where the employee is regularly required to speak, read, sit, stand, lift, reach, and bend while moving about the facility. Must be able to stand up to a 8 hour shift (sometimes longer) with regular breaks. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes, odors, dust, oil, slippery floors, moving parts, and equipment. Earplugs, hairnets and steel-toed shoes are required per company and plant GMP and Safety requirements.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field (Chemistry, Food Science, Biochemistry, etc.)
• Basic math and science skills with lab bench work experience
• Ability to follow detailed instructions
• Make and record observations and efficiently organize work tasks and time
• Written and oral communication skills
• Be able to work and contribute in a team environment
• Dependable