Lab Technician

Tirlán; Waterford; On-site; EUR 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite parking

Collaborative work culture

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Tirlán is seeking a Laboratory Technician on a fixed-term contract to join the dedicated quality laboratory team. The role focuses on milk quality control, microbiology and chemistry analyses, and adherence to CLAS accreditation standards.

You will work closely with the laboratory manager and colleagues to ensure accurate testing and robust documentation. Onsite work with training provided; you will contribute to internal and external proficiency exercises and drive continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Qualification in microbiology/food science/chemistry or an equivalent quality‑related course.
• Experience in the agri/dairy sector is preferable but not essential.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to interpret test data and troubleshoot problems.
• Willingness to undertake further relevant training.

Responsibilities

• Perform milk quality control analyses including microbiology methods.
• Conduct rapid tests (bactoscan, ELISA, PCR) and antibiotic/inhibitor analysis.
• Maintain documentation and records; participate in proficiency tests.
• Clean, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment; uphold hygiene standards.
• Escalate non-conformances and participate in investigations and continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication

Data interpretation

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Willingness to train

Education

Microbiology/food science/chemistry qualification

Job description

Laboratory Technician – Fixed Term Contract

Tirlán is a world‑class food and nutrition co‑operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands. A talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China delivers annual revenues of over €3 billion. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Role Profile

As a lab technician, you will work with a dedicated team of technicians, the laboratory manager and other team members to carry out a range of chemistry and microbiology analyses relevant to milk quality control and quality assurance. Our laboratory is fully accredited to CLAS. We are committed to ensuring you are fully onboarded in our in‑house training, the quality assurance system, accreditation process and internal audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Raw milk analysis including a range of microbiological methods: testing of private well water, SPC, culture methods;
• Rapid microbiology tests: bactoscan, ELISA, PCR;
• Antibiotic/inhibitor analysis;
• Completion of all documentation and maintenance of records;
• Implementation and participation in internal and external proficiency tests;
• Equipment cleaning, maintenance and calibration;
• Day‑to‑day maintenance of laboratory hygiene standards;
• Timely escalation of non‑conformances or potential non‑conformances including participation in laboratory investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Requirements

• A qualification in microbiology, food science, chemistry or an equivalent quality‑related course;
• Knowledge of and track record in the agri/dairy sector is preferable but not essential;
• A good communicator and the ability to work as part of a team;
• An ability to interpret test data and problem‑solving skills;
• Flexible and dynamic with good organisational ability;
• Willingness to do further relevant training and improvement.

We Offer

• Onsite parking;
• Collaborative work culture;
• Career progression opportunities.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth. We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status.