Laboratory Technician

Standard 40-hour work week with a start time of 8 am for an 8-hour work day. Flexibility to work some evenings or overnight support may be required due to projects.

About the role

Providing support to research scientists in the completion of research projects or activities. Serves as a piloting team resource in one or more broad core technology components:

• Core Technologies (e.g., separations, fermentation, product safety, milling and grinding)
• Enabling sciences (e.g., process modeling, toxicology, advanced analytics, sensory, nutrition, chemistry)
• Ingredients/Product Lines (e.g., Sweeteners, Dextrose, Fat/Oils)
• Food Applications (e.g., dairy, convenience, beverages)
• Feed Applications (e.g., ruminants, pork, poultry, equine)

Responsibilities

• 20% - Provide support to research scientists in the completion of research projects or activities
• 55% - Conduct pilot Fermentation trials, routine experiments, microbiological plating, organizing and communicating results; may provide routine analysis as needed
• 10% - Maintain pilot/laboratory equipment
• 10% - Ensure corporate EHS and Food Safety compliance
• Conducting piloting trials in a food-grade laboratory, routine analysis, reporting, and communicating results

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree with interest in Engineering, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related Science field
• Excellent verbal and written communication, teamwork, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to safety in the job environment
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment
• Ability to execute designed experiments as well as troubleshoot and make corrections during experimentation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Comfort working with digital systems, documentation, and record-keeping

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related Science field
• Experience conducting fermentations and overarching knowledge of fermentation biology
• 6 months to 3 years of experience in a food-grade pilot plant environment
• Hands-on experience in microbiology sampling, sterile technique, and/or fermentation principles and operation
• Experience with downstream purification technologies, such as chromatography, separations (e.g., centrifugation, filtration, membrane separation), crystallization, and evaporation
• Ability to learn and maintain electronic records, follow standardized processes, and support operational documentation needs
• Previous laboratory or technical documentation experience
• Target execution-driven, dependable, and detail-oriented individuals who can follow procedures, learn quickly, solve day-to-day operational challenges, and contribute to a productive and organized work environment
• Strong backgrounds may include manufacturing, production, warehousing, maintenance, logistics, food processing, healthcare operations, laboratory support, technical services, or other operational settings that require attention to detail, accountability, and a strong work ethic
• Direct food lab or pilot plant experience is a plus

Benefits

• Healthcare Insurance: Eligible employees and their dependents receive healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full-time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.
• Dental Insurance: Eligible employees and their dependents receive a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full-time employment with Synectics.
• Vision Insurance: Eligible employees receive vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full-time employment with Synectics.
• 401(k) Plan: Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.