Job Description

Position Summary:

Laboratory Assistants are responsible for performing a wide variety of research laboratory tasks and experiments, making detailed observations, analyzing data and interpreting results. They maintain laboratory equipment and inventory levels for laboratory supplies. They may also write reports, summaries, and protocols regarding experiments. The Laboratory Assistant performs limited troubleshooting and calibration of instruments. The position utilizes and expands on the individual’s education and experience in science, lab or food manufacturing disciplines within a quality assurance setting.

Essential Functions

1. Track laboratory supplies as needed.
2. Show extreme care in documenting, organizing and recording laboratory processes, testing methods and results.
3. Maintain knowledge of all laboratory devices and equipment.
4. Assist in regular maintenance and calibration of lab equipment.
5. Assist in preparing materials and performing daily microbiological, chemical and physical testing of products produced.
6. Assist the Quality Assurance Director/Manager and Quality Assurance Technician in carrying out Standard Operating Procedures and conducting internal audits.
7. Communicate with and assist the Quality Assurance Director/Manager and Quality Assurance Technician regarding non-conforming results.
8. Keep current on and consistently demonstrate Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
9. Schedule, prioritize and adjust daily responsibilities based on rapidly changing requirements.
10. Advocate for and maintain a clean and sanitary working environment.
11. Understand plant Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
12. Promote and comply with all safety standards of Sterling Technology to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
13. Perform other duties as assigned and when needed.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of these knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Previous experience in food plant processing or lab setting is preferred.
2. 1-2 years laboratory experience is preferred.
3. Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures (GLP) and knowledge of laboratory equipment is required.
4. The ability to multitask, pay great attention to detail and read technical documents and manuals is required.
5. General microbiology experience skills are highly desired.
6. Excellent organizational skills required.
7. Incumbent must have the ability to maintain objectivity under stressful conditions and work independently.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
9. Flexible work schedule, including some weekends.

Computer Skills

Previous experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel (intermediate skill set preferred), and Internet Explorer is desired.

Physical Demands and Efforts

The physical demands described here are representative of those that could be expected of an employee in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Incumbent will be expected to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking for an entire shift; the ability to stand in one area for 2-4 hours at a time is required. Must be capable of communicating with others both verbally and in writing; will be expected to use hands or fingers to manipulate equipment other than a keyboard. May occasionally be required to reach below and/or above waist level and below and/or above shoulders or head and occasionally climb a step ladder. Light to heavy lifting (minimum of 25 lbs.) may be required at times.

Vision Requirements

Vision requirements include close, distance, and midrange vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus near and far frequently.

Work Environment

The work environment is moderately noisy and includes running machines, frequent interruptions and moderate traffic. Incumbents will have extended exposure to wet, dry, humid, hot, cold, and/or hazardous conditions at times. Potential exposure to hazardous chemicals may be possible and knowledge of how to deal with these chemicals is required.

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.