Gluten Lab Technician

Merck & Co.; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a Gluten Lab Technician in Minnesota to perform testing, analysis, and reporting in a fast-paced gluten lab. You will handle wet chemistry and high-tech instrumentation to test samples from ingredients to finished products, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely results.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field, 1–3 years in food testing, and strong lab skills. ISO 17025 experience and LabWare LIMS familiarity are a plus. Weekend flexibility may be needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science, biology, chemistry, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years' experience in food testing.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in basic lab skills and safe handling of hazardous compounds.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience in ISO 17025 accredited labs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Organize workload and prioritize samples to maximize output and meet deadlines.
• Execute laboratory methods as written.
• Deliver timely results and final reports by due date.
• Maintain ISO 17025 quality compliance and address QC issues.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain safety compliance per GMI and Medallion rules.
• Assist in audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain lab procedures and cross-train staff.

Skills

Food testing experience

Lab equipment operation

Troubleshooting

Excel / Office

Strong communication

Team player

Flexibility

Lab safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology/food science/biology/chemistry

Tools

LabWare LIMS

ISO 17025 awareness

Job description

Pay rate: ***/hr

Schedule: Wednesday-Saturday, 7am-5pm

Position Title

Gluten Lab Technician

Position Overview

This position is responsible for testing, analyzing, and reporting accurate and timely results in the Gluten Lab. This fast-paced, high-volume commercial lab uses wet chemistry and high-tech instrumentation to test food samples ranging from ingredients to finished products. Results will be used, by our customers, to support claims and monitor regulatory compliance.

Key Accountabilities

• Organize workload and prioritize samples to maximize output and meet deadlines.
• Execution of all laboratory methods, as written.
• Deliver results by due date by completing the analysis of data interpretation, manual calculation or peer review of results prior to approval, and final report writing, as needed.
• Meet department Quality expectations including:
• Complying with Medallion and ISO 17025 quality requirements
• Identifying and addressing quality control issues
• Completing quality investigations in a thorough and timely manner
• Performing routine instrument maintenance, troubleshooting and other maintenance required by the Reliability Program
• Maintain a work environment that complies with GMI and Medallion safety rules.
• Cross-functional support across Medallion, as business needs dictate.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, independent decision making, high attention to detail, and service mindset are essential.
• Skillfully handle multiple tasks, project, and priorities with minimal guidance or direction.
• Assist in projects and studies to support *** business units, as needed.
• Support the evaluation of new test methods, as needed.
• Develop and maintain lab procedures.
• Actively participate in customer and accreditation audits.
• Participate in continuous improvement of laboratory and team operations.
• Implement training of lab personnel through effective cross-training plans.
• Other responsibilities as required by the business.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in microbiology, food science, biology, chemistry, or related field (Bachelor's degree preferred)
• 1-3 years' experience in food testing
• Significant attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to be flexible depending on workload.
• Proficient in basic laboratory skills: accurate weighing, pipetting, quantitative transfer of solutions and samples, ability to work with care around hazardous compounds, preparation of solutions, calculation of results, and evaluation of the quality of results.
• Proficient in the operation of common lab equipment as well as extensive experience with troubleshooting and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Confidence in troubleshooting and approaching issues with a solution mindset.
• Must have computer application knowledge and be proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, or possess the ability to learn the listed applications.
• Demonstrated flexibility and agility in work environment.
• Track record as a strong team player.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new applications.
• Available to flex work schedule when business need dictates to accommodate longer shift hours or weekend work.
• Strong technical background.
• High individual energy with very strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage in Productive Discourse.
• Strong engaging leader with good decision making.
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited lab

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with LabWare LIMS

Additional Considerations

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. *** will not sponsor applicants for a U.S. work visa.
• Relocation support will not be offered to applicants within the United States.
• International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.