Job Summary

Quality Control laboratory technician role with responsibility for chemical, physical and/or microbiological analysis of nutritional components and blends. Duties include preparing documentation and coordinating or performing testing and analysis to ensure quality standards are met.

Reports to the Quality Control Manager in the Springfield, Missouri location of GNNA.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities (not restrictive)

• Perform microbiology testing of raw materials and finished blends.
• Perform physical testing including but not limited to Titrations, pH, LOD, Bulk Density, Sensory testing, and Sieve analysis.
• Analysis of nutritional ingredients and blends via HPLC/UPLC, ICP MS, UV, etc. including sample preparation, analysis, data generation, documentation, written reports, clean-up and disposal of materials.
• General laboratory cleaning and maintenance of equipment (changing sonicator water, cleaning autoclave, cleaning dishwasher, cleaning incubator).
• Assist in creating and maintaining all Standard Operating Procedures for all associated laboratory procedures, instrumentation and equipment.
• Assist in conducting Quality Control Investigations. 
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable)

• None

Performance indicators (related to above Task & Responsibilities respectively)

• Performs laboratory testing in accordance with SOPs.
• Prepares reports and presents to the appropriate manager.
• Follows safety guidelines.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

Education, Training:

• 1-3 years’ experience in similar position.
•  High school diploma or G.E.D required; Associates Degree in Science or related field preferred.

Experience Required:

• 1-3 years in work experience in quality control in a manufacturing, food or nutraceutical company
• Hands on laboratory experience preferred with microbiology or HPLC/UPLC preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Working knowledge of laboratory and manufacturing safety protocols.
• Working knowledge of good laboratory and manufacturing practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), to include speaking clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must be results focused and oriented toward accomplishment of team.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to include overtime when needed.

Language, Computer &   Numeracy:

• Fluent in written and spoken English required
• Computer skills and proficiency with MS Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with LIMS is preferred and Chromeleon or Empower software is preferred

Personality, Characteristics:

• Works with minimal supervision and remain productive at all times.
• Operates well in a team environment and possess team-based problem solving skills.
• Results focused and oriented toward accomplishment of team and organizational goals.
• Stays positive and calm in difficult and/or trying circumstances.
• Able to work flexible hours to include overtime when needed.
• Effectively handles multiple, rapidly changing and conflicting priorities and works well under pressure.

Travel requirements:

• Less than 10%

Typical Physical Activity

Physical Demands:

• Regularly involves talking or listening, sitting, and the use of hands and fingers.
• Regularly involves going up and down stairs.
• Frequently involves reaching with hands and arms, standing and walking.
• Occasionally involves crouching, stooping, kneeling and/or climbing or balancing.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 55 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, works with the fingers, and perceives attributes of objects and materials.
• Involves moderate physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of a primarily administrative nature.
• Should be able to identify and distinguish colors, see clearly at 20 inches or closer and 20 feet or more, observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point, judge distances and spatial relationships, and adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.
• Must be able to pass respiratory exam and fit test.
• Ability to work while wearing Personal Protective Equipment including respirator (which requires minimal to no facial hair).

Typical environmental conditions

• May be exposed to moderate noise levels (i.e. office equipment, light traffic).
• Minimal exposure to moderate to high noise levels (i.e. production equipment, forklifts, heavy traffic).
• May be exposed to allergens, fumes and toxic chemicals.
• May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.

disclaimer

Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing significant safety threat to self or others.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.