Quality Lab Technician

Kerry Group; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group in Rochester, MN is seeking a quality control laboratory technician for our Applied Health and Nutrition division, specializing in fermented ingredients for the bio-science industry. The role includes logging and prioritizing samples, performing routine analytical tests, and ensuring GMP-compliant documentation.

The shift runs 5:30 PM to 5:00 AM on a 2-2-3 rotation with an hourly pay range of $27.00–$29.00.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 0–2 years laboratory or manufacturing quality experience acceptable; 2–5 years preferred.
• Experience with laboratory instruments, sanitation verification (ATP/micro swabs), and production timelines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives, logs, and prioritizes samples according to site requirements and production/release needs.
• Prepares samples using approved methods, including extraction and preparation steps.
• Performs routine analytical tests using lab instruments and approved work instructions.
• Prepares and verifies standards, controls, and other quality checks.
• Performs repeat testing and verification when results are suspect or out of specification.

Skills

Analytical lab practices

GMPs & food safety

Data integrity

Attention to detail

Documentation & audits

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/ Biology/ Microbiology/ Food Science

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Spectrophotometer

pH meters

Job description

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division, specializing in fermented ingredients for the bio-science industry. We’re proud of our clean-label, natural products and our commitment to freshness and quality.

The shift is 5:30 PM to 5:00 AM on a 2-2-3 schedule rotation

The pay rate for this role is $27.00 - $29.00 hourly

Key responsibilities

A. Essential Functions

• Receives, logs, and prioritizes samples according to site requirements and production/release needs.
• Prepares samples using approved methods, including appropriate extraction and preparation steps where required.
• Performs routine analytical tests using assigned laboratory instruments and approved work instructions/checklists.
• Prepares and verifies standards, controls, and other quality checks required by methods.
• Performs repeat testing and verification activities when results are suspect, abnormal, or out of specification (OOS), following site procedures.

Qualifications and skills

IV. EDUCATION

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related scientific field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered based on role requirements.

V. EXPERIENCE

• 0–2 years laboratory or manufacturing quality experience acceptable.
• 2–5 years experience in an analytical, manufacturing QC, or food laboratory environment preferred.
• Experience with laboratory instruments, sanitation verification activities (e.g., ATP/micro swabs), and working to production-driven timelines preferred.

VI. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of analytical laboratory practices and safe chemical handling.
• Familiarity with GMPs and food safety fundamentals (including sanitation verification, CCP awareness, and packaging/label controls).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures and checklists precisely.
• Ability to maintain data integrity and produce audit-ready documentation.
• Proficiency with computers and common office/lab software; ability to learn site systems used for lab documentation and release support.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to escalation issues promptly and professional.
• Strong organization and time-management skills; able to prioritize competing tasks and meet deadlines with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and collaborate cross-functionally.

VII. PHYSICAL / WORK ENVIRONMENT (as applicable)

• Ability to wear required PPE and work in a food manufacturing and laboratory environment.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods; perform repetitive motions; and lift/carry typical lab items consistent with site safety guidelines.
• May require shift work, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

EOE

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and employment decisions are made by human recruitment and leadership teams.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found atKnow Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).