Laboratory Technician

Key Responsibilities

Provide daily support of the company’s Laboratory Program:

• Documentation
• Complete internal records as required
• Update Laboratory SOPs and forms as needed to accurately reflect current laboratory processes and requirements.
• Assist with the Education of other personnel regarding Nutreco, Trouw Nutrition and local Quality and Lab programs, as necessary.
• Nutreco development programs may be completed at any time and remain current with Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) and Human Resource (HR) Training.
• Make recommendations for continuous improvement of lab programs and assist with the environmental monitoring program

Lab Information Management System

• Add data into LIMS for tests performed locally and by third parties
• Assist with setting up LIMS with new parameters in consultation with quality, formulations, and lab manager
• Request addition samples as required from quality and set up appropriate testing

Manufactured Products and Raw Materials

• Perform tests and report data into LIMS for in-house testing (e.g. mycotoxin, salmonella, bulk density, sieve testing, hydroscopic, dustiness, ….)
• Ensure ingredients and finished product meet specification as directed through LIMS.
• Analyze data and ensure the testing programs are being followed.
• Complete quarterly customer and internal specific testing (homogeneity studies, mixing and dispensing studies, cross contamination studies, and ingredient watch list studies).

Near-Infrared Spectrophotometry (NIR)

• Scan all raw materials and finished products into Mosaic network and ensure all investigations and concerns are addressed within 24 hours of discovery unless….see NIR SOP.
• Make recommendations to Laboratory Management for Mosaic network discriminant group updates, make updates when agreed upon
• Develop basic calibrations for discriminate analysis (DA) and proximate chemistries.  Work to be able to do more complex calibrations

X-Ray Florescence (XRF) (if appropriate)

• Scan all raw materials and finished products into Mosaic network, assist in development of calibrations
• Ensure all investigations and concerns are addressed/investigating
• Develop calibrations
• Report any non-conformances to Laboratory Management immediately.

Maintenance of instruments and supply inventory

• Conduct routine instrument maintenance and cleaning; maintain a log
• Build a current lab inventory list and employ methods to consistently maintain it.
• Order and maintain inventory on all lab testing supplies.
• Assist retained sample storage and pull retain samples as needed.

Sample Coordination – Finished Products & Ingredients

• Ensure samples for analysis by internal and external laboratories are acquired and processed in LIMS for compliance with customer requests and analytical needs.
• Ensure items requiring positive release testing are in proper status upon receipt.
• Investigate laboratory test results that have exceeded agreed upon turnaround time.
• If testing seems unclear, redundant, or …… inquire with Laboratory Management for clarification

Provide backup support as needed to other laboratory technicians, supervisor, and manager

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, food science/food safety, or commensurate experience preferred.
• Very close attention to detail.
• Advanced computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet applications and e-mail programs.
• Strong math and deductive reasoning skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Experience with NIR

This is a full-time position, located at our Premix Facility in Neosho, MO.

Trouw Nutrition USA offers competitive compensation and a full benefits package, including medical, dental, life and disability insurances and a 401(k) plan with generous company matching funds that are vested immediately. Benefits are available immediately upon the employee’s hire date.