Quality Control (QC) Laboratory Technician

Lallemand Inc.; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Lallemand Inc. in Mississippi is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform precise analyses across raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to support quality and safety in cream yeast production.

You will conduct baking, chemical, microbiological, and environmental tests, maintain equipment, and ensure data integrity while communicating results to production teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry or related field preferred.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 and GMP practices is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs precisely.

Responsibilities

• Perform baking tests to evaluate yeast quality and performance.
• Conduct chemical and physical analyses (moisture, protein, starch, etc.).
• Test wastewater streams for COD, TSS, and other parameters.
• Perform microbiological testing including plating and pathogen checks.
• Prepare media and reagents; inoculate culture vessels as needed.
• Record data accurately and report results to QA/QC.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues.
• Keep a clean, orderly lab environment and adhere to safety practices.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Quality control

SPC

GMP

Data interpretation

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

Spectrophotometer

NIR

pH meter

Titration equipment

Job description

Purpose: To consistently perform precise and accurate laboratory testing on a variety of samples, such as raw materials, in-process, finished product, environmental samples, etc. to ensure the quality of inputs and outputs of all cream yeast and packaged products. Essential Functions (where applicable based on site’s process):

• Performs baking tests as required to evaluate yeast quality and performance.
• Performs chemical and physical analyses including but not limited to moisture, protein, phosphate, starch, salt, specific gravity, brix, sludge, and NIR.
• Performs tests on our wastewater streams and biobed, including total suspended solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), sludge profile, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and alkalinity.
• Performs yeast appearance and sensory testing, including odor, color, and texture analysis.
• Performs microbiological testing, including master aseptic plating and transfers, media preparation techniques and pathogen testing for Salmonella and Listeria. Prepares various media and reagents.
• Performs sampling in the plant of raw materials including process water, molasses, production line and receivers/fermenters, etc.
• Prepares and inoculates laboratory culture vessels required for the first factory fermentation stage.
• Performs quality control checks on the finished product.
• Prepares and sends samples to external laboratories.
• Maintains, calibrates, and/or verifies laboratory equipment. Troubleshoots and corrects equipment problems.
• Participates in the various proficiency testing programs to ensure the reproducibility and accuracy of the data generated by the laboratory.
• Properly documents and reports laboratory data. Records data manually and/or electronically.
• Communicates results to production departments and Laboratory Manager as needed.
• Interprets testing results and places nonconforming product on hold pending rework/disposition instructions by the QA/QC or Laboratory Manager.
• Prepares Certificates of Analysis based on positive release program and releases product based on preestablished compliance criteria (where applicable)
• Applies statistical process control (SPC) tools to proactively detect and communicate data trends.
• Contributes to maintaining and improving a clean and orderly laboratory environment.
• Completes required general cleaning or housekeeping duties according to frequencies established.
• Applies Good Laboratory Practices, ISO 17 025 principles, Lean Six Sigma tools, and Health and Safety practices in their day-to-day work.
• Train fellow laboratory technicians and learn new techniques as needed.
• Inventories and orders laboratory equipment and/or supplies as required.
• Other duties as assigned.