Lab Technician

About the role

The role is based in Philadelphia and involves planning and scheduling testing activities, collecting samples, and performing quality tests on raw and finished products.

Responsibilities

• Completes laboratory testing to meet standards set by PMO, Standard Methods for the Industry, and FDA 2400 methods requirements.
• Pulls, logs, and completes finished product and processing sample testing for all specification requirements on each product at the established sampling frequency.
• Performs physical, biological, chemical, and organoleptic testing, including but not limited to: butterfat and solids (Babcock, Lactoscope and CEM), cryoscope, temperature, acidity, homogenization efficiency, DMC, gram stains, agar/petrifilm plating, rapid-methods bioluminescence (EPIC), weights, code date verification, seal checks, pH, brix, coffee feathering, whipping, peroxide residuals, flavor, odor, appearance, and shelf life analysis.
• Makes determinations regarding the suitability of raw materials and finished products and elevates issues to Quality Management.
• Troubleshoots basic analytical equipment issues.
• Maintains certification for Beta-Lactam antibiotic testing to the Industry Supervisor level.
• Sets up and maintains control points for Charm SLBL.
• Maintains runs and notes daily butterfat and solids standards on analysis equipment.
• Calibrates testing equipment as needed.
• Maintains calibration of thermometers, pipettes, and scales according to regulatory requirements.
• Maintains accurate temperature records for refrigerators, freezers, and incubators.
• Maintains vitamin usage records.
• Sets up cryoscope baseline measurements for lactose reduced products.
• Completes tank inventory recording butterfat, solids, acidity, and DMC at the specific frequency per management.
• Verifies non-conforming product (raw or finished), properly windows and tags affected product, issues hold reports, and samples at time of hold from affected units where applicable.
• Captures and ships requested product samples for R&D or customers/sales.
• Maintains laboratory documentation and ensures that forms, SOPs, etc., are current and properly completed by lab personnel.
• Trains Quality technicians and ensures that testing performance meets all regulatory and internal specifications.
• Maintains laboratory in a clean and organized manner per Master Cleaning Schedule.
• Audits CIP chemical concentrations for the various CIP systems to ensure compliance to company specifications.
• Conducts environmental testing throughout the facility, including ATP swabbing, Listeria genus swabbing, air quality monitoring, water sampling, captive water sampling, etc.
• Assists in the training of new hires, transfers, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or other related Science field.
• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently.

Benefits

Everforth Apex offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans, an ESPP (employee stock purchase program), a 401K program with a company match, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) on the HDHP plan. Additional perks include a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program, and other discounts. Professional development opportunities include an on-demand training program, access to certification prep, a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars, and certification discounts and other perks to associations such as CompTIA and IIBA. For more information, refer to the 'Welcome Packet' provided by an Everforth Apex team member.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.

Skills

Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards, and CIP sanitation is a plus.

Company Information

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. It offers quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. The company is committed to excellence and is recognized for its awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. For more information on benefits and resources, visit the 'Welcome Packet' provided by an Everforth Apex team member.