Senior Lab Technician

Job Summary: This position tests, interprets, and records data necessary to assist in the production of safe products that meet established quality standards. This role also works independently, trains and coaches entry-level lab technicians, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), and monitors trends to identify deviations and initiate corrective actions.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a quality function; strong math and communication skills needed to read and follow written procedures.
• Minimum2+years of experience working in a food testing/food safety laboratory.
• Requires a good understanding of GMPs, HACCP, and SQF guidelines.
• Requires the ability to communicate with others and the desire and willingness to work closely within a group of individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong trainingand coaching skills, with experience mentoring entry-level lab technicians.
• Ability to write, review, andmaintainSOPs and lab documentation.
• Ability to compile and analyze trending data,identifydeviations, andinitiatecorrective actions.
• Strong problem analysis skills, teamwork, creativity; ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining the cleanliness and sterility of the lab environment *
• Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment *
• Perform aseptic sampling technique of finished products that require microbiological analysis *
• Perform log entrance of all samples tested *
• Perform microbiological or chemical analysis *
• KnowledgeonAOAC testing methods.*
• Perform tests on environmental samples taken from food contact surfaces *
• Follow the sampling schedule and collect samples of raw materials and water samples *
• Perform environmental samples of equipment for TPC, coliform, Yeast/Molds *
• Take samples and perform analysis for Listeria environmental sampling *
• Documenting, interpreting, and reporting test results to departmental managers *
• Work in conjunction with the departmental manager and sanitation supervisor on corrective actions *
• Prepare samples to send to the third-party lab whenrequired*
• Prepare COA per customer needs *
• Participate inproficiencytesting program *
• Maintain inventory and reorder lab supplies as needed
• Work independently with minimal oversight, exercising sound judgment on daily lab operations*
• Train and onboard entry-level lab technicians on lab procedures and protocols*
• Write, revise, andmaintainSOPs for laboratory testing and sampling procedures*
• Coach QA technicians on the production floor on proper micro sampling technique *
• Compile and analyze trending reports on lab and environmental data*
• Identifydeviations from established standards andinitiatecorrective actions*
• Help with QA duties if the department is short of staff * 

*Denotes Food Safety Job

Education/Experience:

• Requires a high school diploma; an associate degree is a plus
• Minimum2+years food lab experiencerequired
• Prior experience training or mentoring others preferred
• Computer literate