Lab Technician

The Laboratory Technician performs sampling and routine testing to determine chemical, physical, and microbiological characteristics or composition of solid and liquid materials to ensure process and quality control measures are effective. The Lab Technician follows all policies and procedures to ensure that performed work exceeds the requirements of “Good Laboratory Practices” and to maintain the positive image of a reliable and efficient laboratory.

Main Accountabilities

• Commitment to supply safe food, maintain a food safety culture within the site, continually improve the site's food safety management system; and comply with customer and regulatory requirements
• Performs physical and chemical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products
• Verifies that test results conform to product and customer specifications
• Ensures timely delivery of test results, issuing certificates of analysis, filing testing information, and maintaining analysis databases
• Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas
• Follows lab safety regulations at all times, including but not limited to eye protection, hand protection, and proper use of fume hoods or other breathing protection
• Performs set up, adjustments, and operation of lab equipment, including gas & liquid chromatographs, balances, colorimeters, refractometers, and other related equipment
• Performs microbiological sampling, swabbing, and testing either in house or by sending to an external laboratory
• Assists with general upkeep of the lab including cleaning of lab instruments, glass bottles, vials and tubes, as well as counters, cabinets, and fixtures
• Maintains inventory of lab chemicals to ensure secure storing, adequate supply, safe and correct disposal of waste chemicals, and to prevent storage of expired stock
• Updates and maintains critical logs; generates related graphs, charts, and tables
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed
  
  

Knowledge and Technical Competencies

• Self-Starter with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently sometimes without supervision
• Ability to read and interpret various directives that may be provided in written or oral format such as diagram, or schedule format such as safety rules, operating instructions, drawings, production schedules, etc.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to contribute to Root Cause Failure analysis reviews
• Efficient in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Experience with an ERP, such as SAP is preferred
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call as needed
  
  

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED; Associate's degree in a science or technical field is preferred
• Candidates with the equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2-3 years of lab experience in oils & fats, food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or related industry.
  
  

Bunge (NYSE: BG) is a world leader in sourcing, processing and supplying oilseed and grain products and ingredients. Founded in 1818, Bunge’s expansive network feeds and fuels a growing world, creating sustainable products and opportunities for more than 70,000 farmers and the consumers they serve across the globe. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and has 25,000 employees worldwide who stand behind more than 350 port terminals, oilseed processing plants, grain facilities, and food and ingredient production and packaging facilities around the world.

Bunge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Bunge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled