Quality Assurance Lab Technician

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

Within the Quality Assurance Lab, performs microbiological and chemical laboratory analyses to ensure product compliance to quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbial and chemical analysis of raw material, in-process and finished products in accordance with testing methodology with high regard to safety, quality, cost and timing.
• Collect, prepare, ship and document product samples in accordance with quality assurance testing program.
• Perform calibration, maintain documentation and routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as applicable.
• Maintain good laboratory practices (GLPs) ensuring safety and sanitation are key components of everyday tasks.
• Prepare all standards, solutions, and media required for testing.
• Provide support to internal and external customers.
• Create reports and COAs based on testing results as necessary to provide information to the organization, customers, and suppliers.
• Clear, release, and place on hold raw materials and finished products using LIMS (Lab Information Management System) and inventory management system.
• Support the lab in achieving and maintaining ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Report and document non-conformances in a timely manner and aid in investigation and corrective actions.
• Provide support to AFB-O'Fallon and co-manufacturing facilities as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will not have direct reports.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in the field of science (Biology, Chemistry, or Microbiology) and no experience; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Desired:
  • Experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of safety practices applicable to laboratory environments and ability to follow designated safety procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate records relating to jobs as they are planned performed and completed. Skill to use electronic means for recording data.
• Knowledge of properties and applications of ingredients and materials involved in testing and the skill to safely handle them.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with peers, co-workers, scientists, researchers, supervisors, customers and vendors as required.
• Ability to follow instructions and respond to management direction.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical materials.
• Proficient skill level in MS Office Applications such as Word, Excel.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for extended periods of time, sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee will be required to work 10 hour shifts, including every other weekend.

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. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.