Intern, Lab Tech Assist

Red Star Yeast Company LLC (RSYC), a leader in the Yeast Manufacturing Industry, is now accepting resumes for a Laboratory Technician Internship position at our Cedar Rapids, IA location!

RSYC is a joint venture between Lesaffre Yeast Corporation and ADM, and is proud to have a state of the art facility that operates as the largest fresh yeast manufacturing facility in North America. The Lesaffre Yeast Corporation has been providing quality yeast products since 1853 and is the world leader in yeast and yeast extracts with a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide.  This is a great opportunity for students currently studying Chemistry, Microbiology or Food Science to get real world, hands on experience with a great company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following but are not limited to:

Primary Duties

• Conducts microbiological analysis of samples and preparation of pure culture yeast for use in fermentations.
• Conducts test including nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, color, percentage of Buds, dry matters, sugar, brix, following written procedures, calculating results and recording in appropriate log books.
• Conducts chemical and physical analysis of raw materials and yeast, both in-process and finished product.
• Tests yeast for activity using a Risograph.
• Follows written procedures to conduct tests on various types of dough using different yeast lots or types.
• Maintains equipment and general work area including the following: cleaning and calibration of equipment, keeping records of maintenance performed, ensuring equipment is working properly, keeping work area clean and orderly.
• Responsible for proper use and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies including: analytical balance, centrifuge, mixer, drying oven, pH meter, color meter, stir plate, labware, Risograph, spectrophotometer, distillation unit, mineralization units, fume hood, chemicals, incubator, water bath, thermometers, titrators, YSI 2700D, LECO and Elementar.
• Prepares chemical solutions for processing area.
• Ensures that processing area is stocked with supply of needed solutions; prepares these solutions.
• Performs tests accurately and consistently, following procedures and performing tests in same way each day to provide accurate results.
• Completion of bi-annual proficiency tests.

Secondary Duties

• Cross check of production department’s CIP solutions.
• Maintenance and calibration of lab equipment in the production department.

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Chemistry and/ or Microbiology lab experience either through formal training or work experience.  Some computer knowledge helpful, particularly use of Microsoft Excel.  This position requires ability to prioritize and organize tasks during the day. May require repeat analysis if unsure or have unusual results.  Decision to repeat tests may be made independently or directed by supervisor.  Technician must be able to follow written procedures, be organized, precise, observant, efficient, and capable of working with minimal supervision.  Must be able to perform several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accurate timing and procedures for each task.  Must be detail oriented and safety minded.

Education and/or Experience

Working toward a degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field required. Some lab experience preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Environmental, Safety, Quality, and Legal Requirements

Understand and follow all environmental, safety, quality, and legal regulations for the area in which they work.

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 employees is regularly required to stand, walk, climb, use hands to finger, handle, feel, and reach. The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must lift up to 50 pounds on a seldom basis. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Facial Hair Policy

Employees working in this position will be required to follow Red Star Yeast’s facial hair policy.  This is due to requirement of this position to wear respiratory protection.

Please note: This internship is for the summer AND fall term and runs concurrent with the school year.

Lesaffre Yeast Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status or other protected categories.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities