Operations Supervisor

About the role

This position oversees the activities of department personnel conducting research studies and routine analysis of samples in a food-science laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research studies and laboratory activities to ensure operations comply with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Review, calculate, and record analysis data from research studies; produce client reports and correct any discrepancies.
• Assist departmental personnel with analysis tasks to ensure timely results.
• Document and arrange work schedules to maintain accurate and efficient sample analysis.
• Communicate emerging client requirements to laboratory personnel.
• Liaise with client service personnel or clients regarding procedural and operational difficulties or delays.
• Oversee recruitment and retention for the department.
• Educate and train departmental personnel on correct laboratory procedures and new analysis methods:
  • Evaluate current analysis methods and recommend modifications as new procedures become available.
  • Maintain knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) required for job responsibilities.
  • Ensure employees obtain sufficient LIMS knowledge through monitoring and verification of training.
• Maintain expertise in food science by attending relevant seminars and using available reading materials.
• Maintain research study quality by supporting laboratory quality control:
  • Initiate actions to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or test procedures.
  • Support corporate quality and continuous improvement processes.
  • Address resource needs and issues such as client turn-around time, overtime limits, employee turnover, and work stoppage.
• Maintain supplies, instrumentation, and materials for operating departments.
• In conjunction with the Operations Manager or Lab Director, cease specific analyses when quality-system evidence indicates the process is not in control.
• Travel domestically up to 10% of the time to visit other company labs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or a closely related field (or foreign degree equivalent).
• One year of relevant experience (employer accepts any suitable combination of full- and part-time equivalent employment, including paid and unpaid prior research experience).
• One year of experience in each of the following:
  • Microbial and molecular techniques such as PCR, microbial culturing (aerobic/anaerobic), aseptic technique, and/or microorganism preservation.
  • Laboratory operations, creating schedules, and systems management.
  • Educating and training personnel on correct procedures and analysis methods.
  • Maintaining supplies and instrumentation for the laboratory.

Location: Madison, WI. Full-time position.