Lab Manager (United Energy Necedah)

Position Summary:

Position ensures primary accountabilities and essential functions of the QC/QA laboratory are met. This includes but is not limited to lab testing of in-process quality control, process monitoring and coordination of third-party contract lab testing.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensure laboratory compliance with all United Energy Necedah and industry standards.
• Perform quality control tests in all aspects of alcohol production. Examples of these tests include but are not limited to:
  • HPLC analysis on fermentation, yeast propagators, beer well, thin stillage tank, beer column bottoms, side stripper bottoms, and distillates or as needed.
  • Run grain sieve analysis.
  • Determine DE and TS (% solids) of liquefaction and slurry tanks. Evaluate enzyme performance and make recommendations for optimization.
  • Monitor and record all aspects of the biochemical processes and make recommendations for changes to recipes, and operational parameters.
  • Determine WIP and final product ethanol proofs, pHe, Karl Fischer, and acidity. Make recommendations to operational and maintenance groups for improvements.
• Work with the operations and maintenance groups to ensure that all products, including distiller’s grains and ethanol, meet the minimum quality specifications as set forth by industry standards, marketing agreements, or UEN management.
• Perform all testing (including GC) required to complete the certificate of analysis (COA) and make recommendations to maintain product quality within specified ranges.
• Collect, prepare and send samples of any distillers grain products, ethanol and corn samples to third party labs for analysis. Document and communicate results with appropriate parties.
• Make recommendations for operational changes to maintain product quality.
• Perform toxin testing and reports results.
• Manage the laboratory in the testing of in-process quality control, process monitoring and critical system monitoring.
• Supervise the performance of all required boiler, RO, cooling tower, and outfall water tests.
• Work with water treatment company to continually optimize water treatment systems.
• Properly document all testing results.
• Manage and control the laboratory budget to meet company objectives.
• Maintain lab equipment in compliant working condition. Ensure the laboratory is clean and organized.
• Order and ensure laboratory supplies are maintained.
• Ensure operations department is trained and proficient in Lab Standard Operation Procedures.
• Hiring, training, and development of subordinates.
• Participate in managerial meetings as well as daily production meetings and communicate issues with laboratory and/or operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biology-related science field is preferred.
• Five years’ laboratory experience with three years’ management/supervisory experience.

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted laboratory principles.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of subordinates.
• Extensive knowledge of all standard laboratory operating procedures and principles.
• Time management skills.
• Computer skills, ie., Excel, Microsoft Word, Chromatography Data System software.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Microbiology and research lab environment.
• Must wear personal protective equipment including fire-related clothing, gloves and completely closed footwear.
• Employee may be requested to work shifts other than daylight depending on the needs of the laboratory.
• Travel is not required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, use a keyboard, type, and occasionally stand and move to other parts of the lab.
• Must have manual dexterity to use lab equipment.
• Reach above/below the shoulder, bend at the knees and waist.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.