Lab Technician - Scientific & Regulatory Support

Join a mission-driven laboratory team supporting public health and regulatory science. This role provides essential scientific support to a high-throughput laboratory focused on ensuring food and product safety. As a Lab Technician, you will play a key role in laboratory operations, including sample preparation, equipment monitoring, media preparation, and safety compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a structured, compliance-driven environment where accuracy and adherence to protocols are critical.

• Location: Lenexa, KS
• Schedule: Full-Time | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Travel: Local travel within Lenexa, KS with occasional travel outside the area for special projects

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management & Reporting
• Ensure smooth lab operations by tracking milestones, deadlines, and performance metrics.
• Prepare Monthly Status Reports (MSRs) detailing completed tasks, labor hours, and quality control measures.
• Engage in monthly meetings with program representatives, proactively addressing challenges and solutions.

• Scientific Laboratory Support
• Media & Solution Preparation: Prepare reagents, adjust pH levels, label solutions, and sterilize materials per quality standards.
• Sterilization & Sample Handling: Operate autoclaves, handle potentially hazardous chemicals, and ensure precise sample transfers using aseptic techniques.
• Food & Chemical Sample Processing: Assist in processing and testing food samples (including blending, homogenizing, and cooking) for compliance with regulatory programs.
• General Lab Operations & Equipment Maintenance
• Lab Hygiene & Waste Disposal: Conduct dishwashing, waste management, and lab maintenance to ensure a contamination-free workspace.
• Safety Compliance: Perform daily safety checks on emergency eye-wash stations and showers.
• Equipment Monitoring: Conduct temperature mapping for lab freezers, refrigerators, and ovens.
• Deionized (DI) Water System Monitoring
• Conduct QA checks on DI water systems, ensuring proper meter readings, chlorine residual tests, and salt replenishment.
• Inventory & Supply Management
• Maintain detailed inventory logs to ensure labs are stocked with necessary consumables and reagents.

  Qualifications & Skills
• Required
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Laboratory Science, or a related field.
• 1 years of laboratory experience (academic or professional).
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, reagent preparation, and lab safety protocols.
• Ability to handle hazardous chemicals safely and work within strict SOPs.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation skills, and ability to follow structured procedures.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. and performing physically active tasks in a lab environment.

• Preferred
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment, particularly in food safety or scientific testing.
• Proficiency in scientific data reporting and lab inventory management.
• Familiarity with autoclaving, temperature mapping, and deionized water systems.

  Background Investigation & Compliance Requirements
• Background Investigation: Candidates must pass a background investigation in compliance with federal and agency security requirements.
• Drug Screening: A pre-employment drug test may be required.
• Fingerprinting: Candidates may be subject to fingerprinting as part of the hiring process.
• Compliance Training: Employees must complete required federal security, privacy, and records management training before beginning work.

  Why Join Us?
• Advance Your Career: Gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations supporting public health and food safety.
• Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to vital research and testing programs that impact national food and product safety standards.
• Structured Environment: Work in a highly regulated lab setting with clear processes, protocols, and safety measures.
• Professional Growth: Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement in the scientific and regulatory field.