QC Technician I

Neogen Corporation; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Neogen Corporation seeks a microbiology-focused technician to perform routine and complex assays, ensuring quality through GLP and ISO guidelines. The role involves assisting in QC method development, equipment qualification, and contributing to product release.

Ideal candidates hold an associate or bachelor’s in science with lab experience, excellent attention to detail, and strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration in a controlled lab environment.

Qualifications

• 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 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 is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex assays with a microbiology focus per STPs/SOPs, including microbial enumeration, identification, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Adhere to GLP guidelines with a strong emphasis on quality testing.
• Adhere to ISO guidelines to maintain quality standards.
• Assist in developing new QC procedures with emphasis on testing and product release.
• Support special projects assigned by Lab Manager, often involving investigations or method development.
• Perform equipment qualification for testing.
• Participate in brainstorming to streamline activities and troubleshoot manufacturing and QC issues.
• Meet individual and departmental goals while maintaining high standards.

Skills

Microbiology expertise

Problem solving

Communication & collaboration

Quality focus

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's degree in science-related field

High School diploma with microbiology coursework

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Laboratory software

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!

Position Description

Schedule: M-F 7:00am-3:30pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex assays with a microbiology focus in accordance with appropriate Standard Test Procedures (STPs) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These assays may include, but are not limited to, microbial enumeration, identification, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring. Perform routine chemical, immunochemical, and/or biological assays as needed.
• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) guidelines in daily activities, with a strong emphasis on quality testing.
• Adhere to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines in daily activities, with a focus on quality standards.
• Assist in the development of new QC procedures, with a strong emphasis 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, with a focus on maintaining high standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Microbiology Experience: Possesses a solid understanding of microbiological principles, techniques, and quality control practices. Demonstrates proficiency in aseptic technique and relevant laboratory methods (e.g., operating autoclaves, incubators, pipettes). Exhibits attention to detail to ensure sterility and data accuracy.
• Problem Solving & Technical Skills: Identifies and resolves problems promptly and skillfully, particularly those related to technical issues or contamination sources. Has the necessary knowledge and technical competence to perform job duties accurately and efficiently.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates effectively across all necessary platforms and actively listens to others. 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 by following instructions, taking responsibility for actions, and keeping commitments. 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.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• 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 is highly preferred.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, work instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, and other procedural documents in English, particularly those related to microbiological testing.
• Must be able to read computer screens in English, including software used for microbiological data analysis.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, including detailed microbiological test reports, and to speak effectively in front of team members and in general group meetings.
• Ability to communicate (orally or written) clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; presents numerical data effectively, especially microbiological counts and trends; able to read and interpret written information, including microbiological SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

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.
• Ability to effectively communicate electronically.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with proficiency in using Excel for data analysis and charting of microbiological results.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is 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.

Come Be Part Of A Mission that Matters!

From inside the farm gate to our dinner plates, Neogen protects the world’s food supply. Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria, allergens, toxins, drug residues and much more, Neogen is there — and you can be too.