Microbiology Laboratory Technician

American Society of Safety Professionals; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry is seeking a Microbiology Laboratory Technician to ensure compliance with ISO 17025 standards and perform microbiological testing. This role involves preparing samples, conducting tests, and maintaining laboratory equipment while ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma with at least 4 years of relevant experience and a strong knowledge of microbiology and lab procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with a minimum of four years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of microbiology and lab techniques is essential.
• Bachelor's degree preferred with experience in microbiology lab.

Responsibilities

• Set up samples and conduct microbiological testing independently.
• Prepare culture media and maintain laboratory environment.
• Support food safety and quality, collaborating cross-functionally.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Basic lab techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science, or related science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Laboratory information management systems

Job description

Cargill's size and scale allows us to make a positive impact in the world. Our purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.
Cargill is a family company providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products that are vital for living. We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they can make meals people love. And we connect families with daily essentials - from eggs to edible oils, salt to skincare, feed to alternative fuel. Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of lives each day. Join us and reach your higher purpose at Cargill.
This position is in Cargill's protein and salt business, where we provide wholesome, high-quality food products to a wide range of customers, from foodservice operators and grocery stores to manufacturers and exporters.

Job Purpose and Impact

The Microbiology Laboratory Technician will perform testing in the laboratory. In this role, you will ensure all testing is performed in accordance with ISO 17025 standards, laboratory policies and procedures and established company guidelines.

Key Accountabilities

• Sample set up including preparation of culture media, petri plates, test tubes and solutions, maintain microbiological stock cultures, decontaminate wastes.
• Prepare samples, perform microbiological testing and conduct routine quantitative and qualitative laboratory tests independently and support more complex trials and experiments according to laboratory procedures and test methods, scope, and as assigned by Laboratory Supervisor or designee to ensure compliance to programs, including monitoring adherence to regulations and assistance in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the management system and safe laboratory practices to protect self and others and comply with Cargill environmental, health, and safety policies.
• Identify, record, and correct nonconformities, potential nonconformities, and laboratory process improvements on a continuous basis and report results to customers (if applicable) by interpreting and documenting test results, communicate results to internal and external customers as required and assist with the evaluation and interpretation of complex data, identify problems with atypical test results and consult with Laboratory Supervisor or designee.
• Maintain the laboratory environment and supplies including inventory of reagents, monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory environment and equipment by completing calibration checks, preventive maintenance tasks, and simple repairs, rotation of media stocks and disposal of retain samples, coordinate external calibrations and maintenance as needed and perform monthly lab environmental tests.
• Support food safety, quality and regulatory culture and collaborate cross functionally to build, maintain andimprove an effective food safety, quality, and regulatory culture by completing appropriate facility andlaboratory training, recertification, and proficiency monitoring, support training and onboarding of otherlaboratory staff.
• Handle complex clerical, administrative, technical or customer support issues under minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, secondary education level or equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of related work experience.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Suite and basic lab techniques.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science, or related science and/or related work experience in amicrobiology laboratory.
• Strong level of competence with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and management of ISO 17025 accreditations and/or GoodLaboratory Practices (GLP).
• Knowledge of microbiology, preparation of culture media, laboratory equipment and advanced laboratorytechniques.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems and software (examples: CPNA LIMS, SAP).

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Position Information

• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this role.

This position requires:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate lab equipment, computers, and other laboratory testing components.
• Potential exposure to chemical and microbiological hazards, including odors, fumes, airborne particles,hazardous chemicals, and pathogens.
• Potential exposure physical hazards, including noise, hot and cold temperatures, and mechanical pinch points.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to wear designated PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, face shield, gloves, close-toed shoes, etc.)
• Color vision and depth perception.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet