Technical/Labratory Assistant

Job Title: Technical/Laboratory Assistant

Location: Dodgeville, WI

Company:

Quality Liquid Feeds, a leader in the agriculture industry, is dedicated to harnessing a safe, collaborative work environment while maintaining our commitment and quality in the agriculture community. At Quality Liquid Feeds, you are offered continuous learning and growth opportunities along with directly impacting the agricultural industry.

Job Summary:

The Technical/Laboratory Assistant role involves assisting in sample preparation, performing routine tests, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background and a keen eye for accuracy in data collection and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in maintaining the QLF in-house laboratory to ensure a well-functioning, efficient environment.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ingredients to support ongoing research and quality assurance projects.
• Perform careful calibration and maintenance of instrumentation and equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Conduct routine laboratory projects, including:
  • Analyzing ingredient dry matters to determine moisture content.
  • Measuring densities and pH levels to ensure consistency and compliance.
  • Evaluating handling characteristics of feed ingredients.
  • Assessing compatibility of ingredients for formulation and product stability.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain accurate records and ensure precision in laboratory work.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols, including proper handling of hazardous materials.
• Basic understanding of feed safety and quality standards to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to document findings and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a fast-changing environment while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory procedures and environments.
• Basic understanding of proximate analysis of feeds and laboratory instrumentation (preferred).
• Positive attitude with excellent computer, oral, and written communication skills.
• Hands-on approach to problem-solving with exceptional customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of cGMP procedures, especially in record-keeping and compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of computers and data analysis software for organizing and summarizing collected data.
• Strong mathematical skills, including statistical analysis.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or concerns and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to a variety of practical and theoretical problems.
• Ability to work with both abstract and concrete variables in research and data interpretation.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining accurate records.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands for detailed work, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to stand and walk.
• Occasionally required to lift/move up to 50 pounds, bend, stoop, and sit to operate laboratory equipment.
• Physical activities may extend to outdoor functions, such as collecting samples and data from research facilities, agronomy fields, manufacturing plants, ingredient suppliers, mills, and livestock operations.
• Exposure to hazardous materials while following proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols for safety.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum Associate’s Degree in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Animal Science, Food Science, or a related field).
• Laboratory experience through work experience or education is required.
• Experience with formulation and feed analysis (preferred).

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary.
• Excellent benefits package.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• We are an established family-owned business since 1977 that recognizes our employees are an integral part of our success.