Laboratory Technician

Location: Yuma, Arizona

Reports to: Formulation Development Center Manager

About the role

Our Research and Development group seeks a Laboratory Technician to support product changes, ingredient substitution projects, production novation projects, and execution of laboratory formulation and analytical processes. This role provides laboratory support for stakeholders such as Quality and Manufacturing functions.

Responsibilities

• Support key functions in Operations such as Quality and Procurement in changing formulation ingredients as defined by business need.
• Conduct physical and chemical testing of commercial or experimental formulations of crop protection products.
• Check chemical stability of formulations with analytical tests (LC, GC, and GC-MS) and interpret analytical outputs.
• Work diligently and efficiently, optimizing the process for ingredient changes focusing on throughput and quality.
• Provide a record of compositions, test results, methods, etc., in documented lab reports.
• Prepare reports and presentations on results of laboratory testing.
• Collaborate with internal functions across the company (Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Legal) to resolve issues compatible with project success criteria and timelines.
• Conduct process studies on commercial or experimental formulations.
• Prepare formulations for field and regulatory studies.
• Support management of chemical inventory and chemical waste.
• Identify lab equipment to facilitate lab safety and project efficiency.
• Support establishment of trade secrets, patents, etc., involving formulations.
• Work in accordance with established SOPs and procedures.
• Input into process improvements and working practices.
• Travel (<10% of time) to attend conferences, field tests, manufacturing trials, and training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical & Process Engineering, or related fields.
• 3-5 years of chemical laboratory experience (industrial or academic) in preparing formulations for agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaners, food, or personal care industries.
• Hands-on experience with multi-phase mixtures (dispersions, emulsions, etc.) using various formulation production or analytical equipment.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to prioritize time and tasks and work in a busy environment.
• Flexibility to learn new tasks and skills.
• Good organizational and communication skills.