Technician I, Buffer Preparation

Company Description

LGC Biosearch Technologies locations in Petaluma, CA, as well as our sister site in Denmark, represent a focused, collaborative culture of producing mission-critical genomics components, primarily oligonucleotides and supporting reagents, for our diverse customer base. We believe in Science for a Safer World and have embodied our mission by supporting first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic where our Biosearch Technologies portfolio has been and continues to be enabling millions of PCR tests worldwide. We are currently seeking candidates who are up for the challenge of operating in a high-growth, purpose-driven organization. 

Job Description

Position Summary:

This is a 6-month contract role.

The Technician I, Buffer Preparation mainly handles the production of buffer solutions. They also help prepare amidite tanks and related solutions for oligonucleotide synthesis.

Buffer manufacturing covers the production of solutions from small to large scale that adhere to established specifications. The Technician I will perform pH, conductivity, and absorbance spectroscopy testing to ensure the products satisfy specifications. The Technician I will be tasked with upkeep responsibilities such as replenishing material cabinets, removing waste, and clearing glassware. Additionally, the Technician I will service equipment used in Buffer production as required. Preparation of buffers and related solutions involves making solutions with target material concentrations needed for effective chemical production and oligonucleotide synthesis.

Areas of Responsibility

• Prior to performing work, complete all requisite training and elicit supervisor verification of training efficiency.
• Perform assigned tasks using the established protocols and methods on the appropriate equipment and within the given final specifications and timeline.
• Communicate and coordinate clearly with Chemical Production team members, impacted employees in other departments, and the Buffer Preparation Supervisor to ensure time and resources are used efficiently.
• Effectively communicate with supervisor to ensure all equipment is functional and available for use.
• As needed, ensure the availability of materials and equipment to complete tasks in a timely manner that aligns with internal and external customer requirements.
• Make recommendations to supervisor as necessary regarding resources required to meet objectives and timelines, including materials, equipment, employee assistance, and workspace.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean workspace.
• Align with all company, departmental, and regulatory policies and rules.
• Provide status reports and updates in brief communications to the Buffer Preparation Supervisor as required.
• The specific responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • Buffer production
  • Restocking material cabinets
  • Waste and glassware removal

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires completion of high school chemistry coursework, or 1 year of industry experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable if it shows proficiency for a Technician I role.
• Understanding of laboratory safety, chemical safety, and general safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Multi-tasker.
• Flexible and proactive.
• Proficient in computer and data entry tasks.
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technology: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Proficiencies & Behaviours:

• Resonates and operates in line with LGC’s core value behaviors: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect.
• Strong sense of teamwork.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or customer service environment is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements outlined here represent what an employee must meet to effectively carry out the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential duties.

While performing this job, the employee often needs to sit in an ergonomically accurate position. They must use their hands to finger, handle, or feel, and have the ability to talk and hear. The role also requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee frequently lifts or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focusing ability. Tasks involve repetitive motions such as word processing and data entry.

Working Conditions:

• Work environment – Primarily a lab setting with manufacturing exposure.
• Extreme Conditions – The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Protective Clothing Required – The employee must wear a lab coat, safety goggles, gloves, apron, pants, and closed-toed shoes (boots preferred). Filtered respirators will also be necessary while carrying out certain tasks.
• Potential injuries or illnesses - The employee will handle different hazardous material residues and hazardous waste, which may lead to chemical-related injuries. Working with glassware could result in cuts to the skin. Employees might need to lift up to 75 lbs, putting them at risk of ergonomic injuries.
• Handling of hazardous waste – Employee receives initial hazardous waste management training. Annual refresher training is provided every year they remain in that position.
• The work environment includes exposure to hazards or physical risks, necessitating adherence to safety measures and specialized training for employees handling hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

Additional Information

The typical pay range for this role is:

Minimum: $ 21.00/Hour

Maximum: $ 24.00/Hour

This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the California -based position.  The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as: experience, skills, and location.

What we offer (US based-employees):

• Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
• FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
• Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Flexible work options
• Pet Insurance for our furry friends
• Enhanced Parental leave of 8 additional weeks
• PTO that begins immediately
• Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Company wide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!

Join LGC and become part of a team that values collaboration, integrity, and brilliance in all we do. We are committed to encouraging a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission. Our positive and inclusive culture ensures that we can compete and succeed in our goals while encouraging respect and innovation.

Our values:

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

Equal opportunities

LGC is committed to valuing every job applicant and employee for their distinct skills regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, parental responsibilities, religion, or belief. Shortlisting, interviewing, and selection procedures will always be performed without bias related to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

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