What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician position at Jenike and Johanson Inc?
About the business
Jenike & Johanson (Jenike) is recognized as the world’s leading authority for reliable and efficient bulk solids handling and processing. We have an international clientele that includes many Fortune 100 companies from industries including: chemicals, cement, mining, minerals, foods, power/energy, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Such diversification provides for an interesting and rewarding career, developing unique, cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering challenges in the world. Our company is 100% employee owned, with all employees having the opportunity to participate in an excellent benefits package (benefits may vary by location).
Benefits and perks
This is a rare opportunity for an early career engineer to join one of the world’s great science-based consultancies. We are offering the following benefits:
- Opportunity to grow into a world-class expert in bulk material handling;
- Small team environment;
- Teaching and application ecosystem;
- Periodic off-site travel to meet with clients; (some positions)
- Comprehensive training plan and growth pathway to senior roles;
- A benefits package, including generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays, profit sharing, extended health care (prescriptions, dental), LTD, critical illness and life insurance coverage. Major medical insurance including full deductible 100% paid by Jenike.
The Lab Coordinator facilitates efficient and reliable operations of the powder & bulk solids testing laboratory to ensure accurate test results and high productivity. The role includes communicating openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients, and suppliers (as required) in the interests of good business practice, collaboration, and adherence to Jenike & Johanson's (Jenike) Pillars of Excellence and core values. Additionally, all responsibilities of Laboratory Technician are required.
A Jenike Lab Technician routinely measures the properties of powders and bulk solids. Testing is performed with specialized equipment and samples are often requiring manipulation to adjust their moisture, size, consistency to reflect unique handling conditions. Hands on skills and critical thinking ability are combined with use of computational software and testers to arrive at data needed for equipment design for material handling.
Responsibilities:
- Main duty is determination of flow and particle properties of a wide range of bulk solids.
- Collaborate with laboratory team and engineers to provide flow property test results that support engineering in addressing client needs.
- Learn and use systems within laboratory to ensure safe and efficient operation of the lab.
- Communicate well throughout each testing project to inform Lab Manager and Engineers of important observations and progress.
- Work independently and safely toward the timely completion of work
Skills and experience
- General lab experience working in a lab environment, able to monitor experiments, document observations and skilled in general laboratory safety practices.
- Well-organized with thorough and accurate record keeping and clean / safe work habits.
- Attentive to details while multi-tasking. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Read and follow written instructions including SOPs. Ability to document procedural steps in Word.
- Ability to adjust a test method to the unique samples.
- Capacity to quickly learn specialized software for data entry/analysis; use Excel and Word.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Routine interface with engineers and laboratory personnel.
- Hazardous materials experience is a plus. Samples range from harmless food products to hazardous powdered chemicals: most present moderate to low-level hazards.
- Candidate must be physically able to wear a respirator when warranted. Respirator and training are provided.
- General - Demonstrates traits consistent with the company culture drive and perseverance in accomplishing goals; sense of responsibility and integrity; effective team skills; adaptability to new projects; planning and organizational skills; resourcefulness; determination and motivation to accept and complete tasks; and enthusiasm for the business and their work.
- Live the corporate values of ownership, excellence, passion, innovation, collaboration, and integrity;
- Participate in other duties, as directed.
Education & Experience:
- Minimum of Associate's Degree, preferred Bachelor's Degree in science or technology area.
- Two years of laboratory experience, ideally with bulk solids testing.
Other Requirements:
- Work hours are Monday to Friday. Background check required for this position.
- Hours of work are typically between 8:30 a – 5 p, or as approved by supervisor. This position periodically requires additional overtime hours beyond a 40-hour work week.
- Lifting and other physical movement, respirator & personal protective equipment use, part of DEA program, some travel (2-4x per year) for on-site testing as well as visiting other offices (US and abroad).
