Lab Technician - 3rd Shift (9p-7a)

Red Star Yeast Company LLC; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare from Day One

401k with 4% match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Red Star Yeast Company LLC is seeking a Lab Technician to conduct chemical and microbiological analyses of raw materials and yeast, both in-process and finished products. The role reports to the Laboratory Supervisor and interfaces with production staff. Shift is Thursday to Sunday, 9 p.m.

to 7 a.m., with comprehensive safety protocols in place. The ideal candidate will have an associate degree in a related field, with chemistry or microbiology lab experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field required.
• Bachelor's degree or 2 years chemistry related lab experience preferred.
• Chemistry and/or Microbiology lab experience through training or work.
• Some computer knowledge, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates safety-first culture and follows safety protocols.
• Conducts microbiological analysis of samples and prepares pure culture yeast for fermentations.
• Performs tests: nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, color, sugar, and other metrics; records results.
• Analyzes chemical and physical properties of raw materials and yeast (in-process and finished).
• Tests yeast activity using Risograph.
• Follows procedures to test doughs with different yeast lots/types.
• Maintains lab equipment and workspace; calibrates equipment and logs maintenance.
• Handles lab supplies and prepares chemical solutions; stocks processing areas.
• Performs tests consistently and accurately; adheres to standard procedures.
• Completes routine proficiency tests bi-annually; performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety minded

Detail oriented

Organized

Multitasking

Education

Associate degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field

Bachelor's degree or 2 years chemistry lab experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

What we offer

• Day one healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
• 401k with 4% match & additional discretionary employer contribution
• 11 paid holidays
• 80 hours of vacation time and 48 hours of sick time annually
• Life insurance, AD&DD, Employee Assistance Program, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and more!

What you bring to the table

The primary function of this position is to conduct chemical and physical analysis of raw materials and yeast, and/or microbiological analysis, both in-process and finished product. This position reports to the Laboratory Supervisor. May also receive direction from the Lab Manager and Production Manager. Interfaces with processing supervisors and operators, maintenance workers and general service operators, to obtain samples, explain needed maintenance in the lab, or to request supplies located outside the lab. The shift schedule is Thursday-Sunday, 9p-7a.

What you’ll do as a Lab Technician

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
• Conducts microbiological analysis of samples and preparation of pure culture yeast for use in fermentations.
• Conducts test including nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, color, percentage of Buds, dry matters, sugar, brix, following written procedures, calculating results and recording in appropriate logbooks.
• Conducts chemical and physical analysis of raw materials and yeast, both in-process and finished product.
• Tests yeast for activity using Risograph.
• Follows written procedures to conduct tests on various types of dough using different yeast lots or types.
• Maintains equipment and general work area including the following: cleaning and calibration of equipment, keeping records of maintenance performed, ensuring equipment is working properly, keeping work area clean and orderly.
• Responsible for proper use and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies including: analytical balance, centrifuge, mixer, drying oven, pH meter, color meter, stir plate, lab ware, Risograph, spectrophotometer, distillation unit, mineralization units, fume hood, chemicals, incubator, water bath, thermometers, titrators, YSI 2700D, LECO and Buchi B-339.
• Prepares chemical solutions for processing areas.
• Ensures that processing area is stocked with supply of needed solutions; prepares these solutions.
• Performs tests accurately and consistently, following procedures and performing tests in the same way each day to provide accurate results.
• Completion of bi-annual proficiency tests.
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications

• Associate Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field required.
• Bachelor's degree or 2 years chemistry related lab experience preferred
• Chemistry and/or Microbiology lab experience either through formal training or work experience.
• Some computer knowledge is helpful, particularly the use of Microsoft Excel.
• This position requires the ability to prioritize and organize tasks during the day.
• May require repeat analysis if unsure or have unusual results.
• Decision to repeat tests may be made independently or directed by supervisor.
• Technicians must be able to follow written procedures, be organized, precise, observant, efficient, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to perform several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accurate timing and procedures for each task.
• Must be detail oriented and safety minded.

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.