Lab Technician III

ARMLJP00001291

Lab Technician III

location : Pullman, WA 99163

Duration : 12 Months

8am to 5pm M-F.

This role is accountable for the day-to-day laboratory operations that include daily assessment and prioritization of R&D activities, efficient sample handling and testing of alternative grains and pulses, safe processing of small-batch experimental ingredients, and secure management of lab assets. The role is responsible for timely and accurate communication of project progress and test results to their manager, collaborating R&D scientists, and / or broader teams involved. This position leads the R&D laboratory in efficiencies, safety, and quality. This role will lead strategic reallocation of laboratory assets and oversee the renovation of spaces to optimize R&D operational efficiency. The position requires strong project management skills, with a focus on timelines, budgets, and maintaining business continuity throughout the process.

To succeed, you must be able to :

Deliver results in first-time situations by inspiring others and working to earn trust every day.

Serve others with understanding, respect, and care.

Operate with simplicity, clarity, and transparency.

Deal with and drive change.

Organize, prioritize, and own multiple tasks while meeting or exceeding deadlines.

Learn and apply new technology and share your knowledge with others.

Above all you will be expected to carry out all your activities with reliability, integrity, compliance and in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.

Key responsibilities :

Laboratory operations responsibilities :

Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations. Including, but not limited to :

Asset management :

Manage equipment calibration and maintenance; maintain facility vendor accounts; update inventories.

Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to execute asset transfers and facility upgrades.

Understand equipment specifications, additional asset details, and testing protocols to ensure facility changes accommodate assets and R&D activities.

Research activity management :

Plan, supervise, and efficiently execute the shipping, receiving, prioritization, preparation, and analysis of incoming R&D samples for testing while ensuring assigned project activities stay within budget

Staff supervision :

Manage part-time hourly interns who conduct sample testing.

Lead weekly lab meetings for onsite part-time staff and fulltime R&D scientists to ensure timely execution of lab-based research activities.

Ensure onsite team members and laboratory visitors follow safety protocols and complete necessary safety trainings.

Work environment responsibilities :

Implement best practices to strengthen employee safety, inclusion, engagement, and productivity.

Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and teamwork across organizational boundaries.

Supports R&D by proactively establishing / cultivating relationships both within and outside the organization.

Essential skills and experience :

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.

1-2 years of related professional experience (or an advanced degree).

Experience and passion in alternative grains.

Computer literacy and ability to write technical procedures.

Excellent project management and proven ability to prioritize assignments and execute on several projects concurrently.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Demonstrates curiosity, optimism, creativity and critical thinking and models it for others.

High integrity, positive attitude, flexible working style, easily handles changing priorities and urgency, and ability to develop positive working relationships with others.

Good to Have :

Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline, Chemistry or Food Science preferred.

3 - 4 years of related professional experience and / or an advanced degree, minimum 1 year of professional experience in food ingredient R&D, milling industry and / or grain processing.

Familiarity with official methods used in the baking / milling industry.

Demonstrated ability to implement and lead change.

Work with minimal guidance to prioritize resources to ensure timely execution of routine tests.

Other considerations :

Willing to travel up to 10% of time.

Able to lift 50 LB (23 KG).

Flexible work conditions (Office, Laboratory, Pilot Plant, Coolers, Freezers & Plant Environment).