QC Technician I

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex assays with a microbiology focus in accordance with appropriate Standard Test Procedures (STPs) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including microbial enumeration, identification, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Perform routine chemical, immunochemical, and/or biological assays as needed.
• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines in daily activities, with a strong emphasis on quality testing and standards.
• Assist in the development of new QC procedures, with a focus on testing and product release.
• Help with special projects assigned by Lab Manager, often involving investigations or method development.
• Perform equipment qualification, ensuring the suitability of equipment for relevant testing.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to streamline routine activities and troubleshoot manufacturing and QC issues, particularly those involving contamination or control.
• Meet individual and departmental goals and objectives, maintaining high standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of Associate's degree in a science-related field and 1–2 years of relevant microbiology laboratory experience.
• OR High School diploma with some college coursework in microbiology or a closely related science field or 3 years of relevant microbiology laboratory technician experience, preferably in a quality control setting.
• OR Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or a closely related science field with experience in microbiology (highly preferred).

Skills

• Microbiology Experience: Solid understanding of microbiological principles, techniques, and quality control practices. Proficiency in aseptic technique and relevant laboratory methods (e.g., operating autoclaves, incubators, pipettes). Attention to detail to ensure sterility and data accuracy.
• Problem Solving & Technical Skills: Identifies and resolves problems promptly, particularly those related to technical issues or contamination sources. Demonstrates technical competence to perform job duties accurately and efficiently.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates effectively across all platforms and actively listens. Leads by example to foster a culture of trust and teamwork.
• Performance & Accountability: Highly focused on driving performance, consistently meets productivity standards, and maintains dependability. Demonstrates initiative, thinks resourcefully, and seeks help when needed.
• Cultural Fit: Demonstrates and lives Neogen's Pillars of Trust (Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service) in all actions and behaviors. Understands their role and how it contributes to the organization's success.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, interpret, and write documents such as safety rules, work instructions, SOPs, and microbiological test reports in English. Ability to communicate clearly and present numerical data effectively, especially microbiological counts and trends.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform routine, college-level mathematical operations, including statistical functions relevant to microbiological data analysis (e.g., CFU calculations, growth curves).
• Computer Skills: Solid knowledge of computers and operating systems, including software used for data acquisition and analysis in a microbiology lab. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), especially Excel for data analysis and charting of microbiological results.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to see, talk, or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit, especially when working in a microbiology lab.
• Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, particularly when setting up or maintaining microbiological equipment.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, such as media bottles or equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required include high visual acuity and color vision, especially for accurate reading of microbiological results and differentiation of microbial growth. Employee must pass a standardized color deficiency test with a score of > 80%.

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment with potential exposure to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
• Frequently exposed to biological agents and potentially pathogenic microorganisms.
• Occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic agents used in laboratory procedures.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, with occasional louder noises from equipment like autoclaves.
• Requires adherence to strict aseptic techniques and the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection, especially in the microbiology lab.