Research & Development Laboratory Technician

Department

Research & Development

Location:

Main Plant

City

Jerome

State/Territory

Idaho

Reports To

R&D Associate Principal Scientist

Employment Status

Full time

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Shifts

Day Shift

# of openings:

1

Hours

• Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Subject to change according to business needs.
  
  

BENEFITS:

• We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.
  
  

POSITION SUMMARY:

The R&D Laboratory Technician will work in a brand new, state-of-the-art Milk Innovation Center (MIC). In this role, the employee will interact with Idaho Milk Products’ technical staff to ensure safe, and high-quality product development work is delivered. The technician performs: data collection and entry, project assistance, prototype making, maintains calibration on laboratory and production scale equipment/instruments, and performs routine testing of product samples. He or she will be involved in developing laboratory methodology and improving laboratory operations, as well as maintaining the stock of chemicals and food ingredients needed for product development trials in the MIC.

Essential Functions, Duties, And Performance Responsibilites

• Follows established laboratory methods and work instructions.
• Conducts prompt and accurate tests to support timely reports.
• Maintains and supports the Corrective Action Program, Laboratory records, etc., as per the requirements of R&D testing.
• Demonstrates and conducts necessary rechecks and product screening.
• Performs risk assessments for all jobs performed.
• Maintains inventory of chemicals, consumables, and food ingredients.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Performs testing and maintains equipment calibrations per schedule. Also performs preventive maintenance of the instruments and equipment.
• Follows all established policies and procedures, GLPs, SOPs, SSOPs, OSHA, Safety Regulations, and GMP Laboratory Methods.
• Assist R&D scientists in product trials and analysis for stability.
• Maintains security and confidentiality of information.
• Performs other tasks assigned.
  
  

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS: Requirements:

• Must possess a valid state driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and maintain an acceptable Department of Motor Vehicle record in accordance with company insurance requirements.
• Ability to drive from one location to another throughout the work week.
  
  

Education:

• Required: High school diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.
  
  

Experience:

• Preferred: 1-2 years of experience as a laboratory technician or equivalent experience.
• Dairy lab experience is a big plus.
  
  

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to read basic operating instructions.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate all reports and operate machinery.
• Highly self-motivated individual who is comfortable working individually while managing multiple tasks efficiently to meet defined deadlines.
• Must have an established work record that depicts that he or she is reliable and adds value to an organization through service and acceptance of responsibility.
• Demonstrates sound communication skills, both verbal and written, while communicating effectively with various levels of management.
• Strong attention to detail is required.
• Able to work in teams effectively and encourage a positive work environment.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively troubleshoot and use problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates ability to ensure all documentation is timely, accurate, and complete.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts, accept and embrace change, and be an active member of operating the business.
• Sound Microsoft Office skills, including proficiency in Excel.
  
  

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate all lab instruments needed for wet chemistry, microbiological analysis, and shelf-life testing instruments.
• Computer, phone, fax machine, calculator, and copy machine.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Standing: Must be able to stand for long periods of time to perform necessary testing
• Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees occasionally
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine
• Subject to up to at least 92db’s on an occasional basis
• Lifting: Able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally
• Will require lifting, mobility, and stamina to complete assignments.
  
  

If you’re excited about this opportunity, we invite you to apply by visiting our website at