Lab Technician

Role Overview

This position centers on running a shared laboratory hub that supports both internal production sites and external customers with reliable analytical results. Daily work involves receiving and testing raw materials, checking critical control points, and ensuring that laboratory instruments—especially near-infrared (NIR) equipment—stay calibrated and operational. The role also extends beyond the bench: you will train and support customers using NIR services and on-site mycotoxin rapid tests, helping them get accurate, actionable data from their own workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily laboratory hub operations: oversee sample reception, handle sensitive-species samples, plan testing schedules, and approve final results before release.
• Ensure compliance with approved safety and quality procedures, including verification checks, control card monitoring, and timely response to out-of-trend results.
• Test incoming raw materials and maintain an approved-ingredient list, while supporting QC reporting against raw material and final product quality plans.
• Monitor critical control points and keep laboratory consumables and equipment invoices processed so operations are never delayed.
• Maintain NIR laboratory instruments: schedule calibrations, track control charts, perform bias calculations, and update associated documentation.
• Deliver NIR customer support remotely: install calibrations, help configure software, answer technical questions, and guide clients on good NIR analysis practices.
• Provide on-site training and troubleshooting for mycotoxin rapid test kits and readers, ensuring customers can run tests correctly and rely on the results.
• Track NIR service activity indicators and produce status reports to ensure contracted service levels are being met at customer sites.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, chemistry, microbiology, food science, food technology, or a closely related field.
• At least one year of relevant laboratory experience, ideally in a quality control or analytical services environment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory practices and a quality management system, including documentation and verification requirements.
• Familiarity with NIR technology and its use for routine testing or customer-facing analytical services.
• Practical proficiency with MS Office, especially Excel for tracking data and preparing reports.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple testing priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication, plus good time management and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Personal qualities: initiative, a strong work ethic, and dedication to maintaining accurate, reliable laboratory results.