Laboratory Technologist

Position Summary: Operating independently, the Laboratory Technologist is responsible for creating, scheduling, and manufacturing sterile and nonsterile aqueous solutions including reagents, substrates, and media. This position is also responsible for other production activities including dispensing, filling, and packaging sterile products and quality control slides, and training Production Associates and Assistants on packaging equipment and specific laboratory manufacturing processes. The Laboratory Technologist works to ensure an efficient and functional department by cooperating and collaborating with employees at all levels of the Production department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily (other duties may be assigned). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Creates, schedules, plans, and executes all lab formulations to meet customer demand.
• Trains Production Associates on equipment and procedures needed to package products.
• Coordinates scheduling with Management, Production Planner, and Floor Supervisor to accomplish goals and meet operational demands.
• Manufactures and dispenses aqueous solutions using sterile techniques.
• Assists as a secondary backup for the QC department with QC activities including, but not limited to, pH checks, gram & AFB stains, sterility testing, and manufacturing medias.
• Dispenses bacterial and parasite substrates.
• Packages finished products per device history records.
• Complies with safety measures and waste management programs.
• Completes housekeeping requirements, equipment calibrations/validations, and maintenance logs in assigned labs.
• Completes documentation related to formulation, dispensing, and packaging on manufacturing job orders.
• Develops strategies to optimize methods and improve processes, contributes to problem resolution if issues arise.
• Creates and edits documents pertaining to role. Follows Document Control practices to update and edit documentation specific to role.
• Trains qualified personnel and/or assistants in disciplinary practices, to fill the role when employee is absent.
• Performs these and other duties or special projects as assigned, using the company’s resources in a judicious manner.
• Protects the organization’s value by keeping all corporate product information and processes confidential.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.

Continuous Learning – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses. Pursues training and development opportunities. Seeks feedback to improve performance. Shares expertise with others. Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

Dependability – Commits to doing the best job possible. Follows instructions, responds to management direction. Keeps commitments. Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Takes responsibility for own actions.

Planning & Organization – Integrates changes smoothly. Plans for additional resources.

Prioritizes and plans work activities. Sets goals and objectives. Uses time efficiently. Works in

an organized manner.

Problem Solving – Develops alternative solutions. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Identifies problems in a timely manner. Resolves problems in early stages. Works well in group problem solving situations.

Quality – Applies feedback to improve performance. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Displays commitment to excellence. Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities. Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Puts success of team above own interests.

Use of Technology – Adapts to new technologies. Demonstrates required skills. Keeps technical skills up to date. Troubleshoots technological problems. Uses technology to increase productivity.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biological Science or related field preferred. Experience with process improvement, dispensing and/or filling and expertise in Microsoft Office suite are desirable.

Language Ability:

Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees. Working knowledge of/Fluency in the English language (spoken and written).

Mathematical Ability:

Add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Compute rate, ratio and percent, and draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have

• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Expertise in spreadsheet and word processor usage

Certificates and Licenses:

None required

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs work in indoor conditions 100% of the time.
• Performs work near moving or mechanical parts 100% of the time.
• Performs work near heating elements 20% of the time.
• Performs work requiring Personal Protective Equipment 100% of the time.
• Performs work with noxious fumes 10% of time.
• Performs work with hazardous (flammable, corrosive, carcinogenic) chemicals 70% of the time.
• Works in close proximity to others 50% of the time.
• Works alone 50% of the time.
• The noise level is moderate (production equipment).
• This position requires working with office equipment, computer equipment, and production equipment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to support 100 pounds.
• Heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds and over) 50% of the time.
• Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds) 50% of the time.
• Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) 100% of the time.
• This position involves standing, sitting, bending, walking, reaching, able to lift and push up to 50 lbs.
• Sit 40% of the time.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist at the waist, push and/or pull, use hands to manipulate, grasp, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, taste or smell and hear without aid 100% of the time.
• Talk and hear with or without aid 100% of the time.
• Type at a keyboard or computer, etc. 20% of the time.
• The vision requirements for this position are close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area up/down or left/right), and ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust eye to bring into focus).
• Predictable and regular attendance.