Laboratory Analyst: Levels I - IV

Supervisor’s Title:             Laboratory Team Leader

Department:                        Quality

Location:                              Twin Falls Central Lab

Exempt Status:                   Hourly

At Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., our portfolio centers on dairy and non-dairy nutritional ingredients. We co-innovate and deliver ingredient solutions and precision premixes for use in the mainstream food and beverage, infant and clinical, and functional nutrition markets. We are the number one provider of whey-based nutritional ingredients globally and the number one producer of American-style cheddar cheese. Our protein systems have transformed the bar and beverage categories — bringing increased levels of protein, cleaner labels and greater product functionality to market. We have a direct presence in 21 countries, with manufacturing facilities in the US, Germany and China, and international sales and technical offices around the world.

Performs analyzes of various products, testing for various elements while following the best practices to uphold safety and quality standards. 

• • • • Analyzes products including testing proximate, sensory and physical analysis
• Cleans laboratory equipment and instruments
• All analysts will be expected to be able to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting measures and coordinate with vendor support as required by their position.
• These tests require skill in equipment calibrations, precise weight measurements, equipment cleaning, handling chemicals safely, and recording test results
• Actively participate in teams and on projects to improve the metrics for given area of responsibility.
• Clear communication with co-workers and leadership within the lab and as necessary with other Glanbia departments
• Must report Safety, Food Safety, and Quality, Sustainability, and Housekeeping problems to direct supervisor immediately.
• All employees shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act which are applicable to their own actions and conduct.
• Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)
• Regular and timely attendance required
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Delivering on Glanbia’s Values:

• “Showing Respect” - Research issues & incidents with internal teams, business partners and customers in a collaborative manner that includes professional, honest and transparent communication.
• “Find a Better Way” - Work with internal and external teams to implement process improvements and/or procedural changes that eliminate non-value added activities and drive more business value.
• “Winning Together” - Assist with training of new team members. Facilitate or oversee training and standard operating procedure reviews to ensure new hires develop proficiency of role.
• “The Customer’s Champion” – Proactively engage to support our customer needs on an end to end basis and strive to meet or exceed SLA timelines. Take ownership of customer requests and engage with internal teams as needed and within a timely manner.
• “Performance Matters” – Meet or exceed all key metrics in line with expectations for role. Continually update knowledge of products, product changes, processes and services offered to deliver a dynamic customer experience.

Laboratory analysts are assigned to an analyst level based on the level of competency they have in the testing they perform. The laboratory is divided into positions which are responsible for a group of tests. A laboratory analyst moves to a higher analyst levels when they have met all the criteria for the next level as defined below.

Requirements for All Levels

• High school diploma or equivalent with the knowledge of science (biology and chemistry) such as may be acquired through high school courses or related experience
• Math skills including multiplication and division
• Attention to detail and the capability to adjust measuring instruments and interpret results
• Accomplish assigned tasks with precision and accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret product specifications in English
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills
• Computer experience required
• Ability to operate (or ability to learn to operate) any relevant equipment 
• Excellent record required in safety, attendance, and punctuality
• Willingness to work 12 hour shifts and to work weekends, and overtime as required
• Ability to stand and walk the entire shift if needed
• Ability to read and write instructions in English
• Knowledge of the proper use of all cleaning chemicals

Level I

• All new laboratory analysts begin at a Level I and begin their training in one laboratory position.
• Under normal circumstances, the training period should be a minimum of 2 calendar weeks.
• The training period lasts until the new analyst demonstrates competency in all tests required to be performed by that laboratory position. Competency is assessed by the analyst successfully completing the Basic Knowledge Quiz (BKQ) and Basic Operational Quiz (BOQ).
• State certification may be required depending on the position the analyst is placed in

Level II

• Analysts must complete one year of continuous service in the laboratory. This requirement can be waived to six months at the discretion of the Laboratory Manager based solely upon previous knowledge, experience, education, and demonstrated competence and skill.
• Analysts must have passed a certification test in at least one laboratory position in which they have worked during the above period.

Level III

• Analysts must complete three years of continuous service in the laboratory. This requirement can be waived to two years at the discretion of the Laboratory Manager based solely upon previous knowledge, experience, or education, and demonstrated competence and skill.
• Analyst must complete at least one year as an Analyst II.
• Analyst must have a current certification in at least three analyst positions.
• Analyst must be certified to perform basic laboratory calibrations.
• Demonstrated skill in laboratory testing by internal and external proficiency testing with z scores ≤ 2.5.

Level IV

• Analyst must complete at least five years of continuous laboratory service. This requirement can be waived at the discretion of the Laboratory Manager based solely upon previous knowledge, experience, or education, and demonstrated competence and skill.
• Analyst must have completed at least three years as an Analyst III.
• Analyst must have current certification in five laboratory positions.
• Analyst must be certified to perform all in-house calibrations.
• Analyst must be able to perform advanced troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Analyst must have high level of proficiency in laboratory testing demonstrated by excellent results of internal and external proficiency testing with z scores ≤1.5.

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

• Frequently (51-75%) stand, walk, talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally (25-50%) sit, reach with hands and arms, lift and/or move 26 to 60 lbs.
• Rarely (1-25%) climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision requirements for this job include: clear vision at 20 inches or less and at 20 feet or more, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Corrective lenses can be worn to meet these requirements.

• May be exposed to ___85+___ noise levels in which hearing protection will be needed.
• May be exposed to humidity, intense heat, and areas with possible air contamination, 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.

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.

Are you someone who likes to make it happen, make it better and make it fun? If so, our company offers you an excellent opportunity to do really interesting work and develop a career in a dynamic and innovative environment that is all about making you and our business successful.