Lab Tech Lead

Position Objective:

 Function as lead for laboratory technician team members.  Maintain lab supplies inventory and drive 6S in QA department.  Serve as primary trainer for new employees and technical support for the lab.  Perform microbiological tests to ensure status of raw materials, WIP and finished products.  Act as SME for microbiological support.

Key Result Areas:

Performance Standards:

Production Area

• Set up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, centrifuge, agitators, scales, Activigraph and spectrophotometer.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Maintain and manage Micro Lab equipment and materials

Quality Control

• Culture, plate and read samples for microbiological load
• Protect integrity of product and results

Quality Assurance

• Test samples of manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications.
• Knowledgeable of all aspects of microbiological methods/testing and aseptic techniques.
• Generate, submit and file Certificates of Analysis. 
• Review finished and in-process product quality to ensure they are within acceptable limits.
• Execute all aspects of microbiological methods/testing using aseptic techniques. 

Reporting

• Record test results on standardized forms and writes test reports describing procedures used.
• Maintain integrity of database and ensure all pertinent data is entered.
•  Certificates of analysis. 

Maintenance

• Clean and sterilize laboratory and other equipment as required. 
• Calibrate laboratory instruments.
• Ensure equipment preventive maintenance and repair is executed in a timely manner.

Human Resources

• Comply with HR policies and procedures.
• Comply with relevant employment laws.

Other

• Review, audit and revise Lab SOP’s as needed
• Conduct monthly PRP audits
• Responsible for HACCP verification activities.
• Manage lab standardization program
• Other duties as assigned.

Backup SQF Practitioner –in the absence of the Plant SQF Practitioner

• Oversee the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals outlined in 2.1.2.8, and the food safety plan outlined in 2.4.2
• Take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System;
• Communicate to relevant personnel all information essential to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.
• Must have completed a HACCP training course;

A combination of the listed skills and knowledge is preferred

• Significant, demonstrated and proven microbiology skills
• Associate's degree (A.A.) in microbiology, chemistry or biology from two year college or technical school.
• Two years experience and/or training.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment or tools.
• Familiarity with scientific terminology.
• Familiarity with basic computer operation.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry or Biology.
• Experience in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and/or fermentation.
• Ability to lead non-direct reports for success

Other Factors

• Ability to work rotating shifts when necessary.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Occasional change in work schedule with limited notice.   

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly requirement to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.