Research & Quality Laboratory Technician

Ardent Mills; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Shift differential

On-site work

Job summary

Ardent Mills seeks a Research & Quality Lab Technician to support the AM Analytical Services Central Lab. Responsibilities include wet chemistry, milling and baking analyses, and biochemical tests on grains and flour products.

The role requires calibration, maintenance, data recording, and clear result communication to teams. Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree, strong organization, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher with demonstrated knowledge of good laboratory techniques and scientific methodology.
• Attention to detail and ability to keep details organized.
• Flexible, organized and able to handle changing priorities.
• Demonstrated time management and ability to work with urgency.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and able to write technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Works safely in a laboratory environment and adheres to all safety policies.
• Supports daily prioritization and preparation of incoming samples for testing.
• Analyzes grains, seeds, flours, bakery mixes and finished products using wet chemistry and bio-chemical analyses.
• Generates, records and communicates accurate results.
• Performs routine calibration and maintenance of lab equipment to ensure accuracy.
• Provides technical support to cross-functional teams and participates in innovation or method development initiatives.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Attention to detail

Time management

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Calibration tools

Job description

Research & Quality Lab TechnicianYour role:As the Research & Quality Lab Technician you will be responsible for supporting the Ardent Mills Analytical Services Central Lab by performing analysis including, but not limited to, wet chemistry, experimental milling and baking, and bio-chemical analysis of grains, seeds and flour products of milling. The technician will be expected to perform calibration checks and preventive maintenance on lab equipment, as well as perform other quality control activities, as assigned. The technician is responsible for timely and accurate communication of results to their manager and the project teams they support. They must have the ability to explain the significance of the results, and when inaccuracies are noted, proactively notify their manager and work together to identify root cause and take steps to resolve the issue. This position requires that the technician be certified in all the tests they are performing and participate in internal and external cross checks to maintain certification. Finally, as assigned, the technician will be expected to support select R&D, Product Development and Instrumentation initiatives, which may include evaluating new technologies, and/or developing new methods that better serve our customer needs. To succeed, you must be able to:Deliver results in first-time situations by inspiring others and working to earn trust every day.Serve others with understanding, respect, and care.Operate with simplicity, clarity and transparency.Deal with and drive change.Organize, prioritize and own multiple tasks while meeting or exceeding deadlines.Learn and apply new technology and share your knowledge with others.Above all you will be expected to carry out all your activities with reliability, integrity, compliance and in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.Your responsibilities:Works safely in a laboratory environment, actively adhering to all AM Food Safety and EH&S policies.Supports daily prioritization and preparation of incoming samples for testing.Analyze grains, seeds, flours, bakery mixes and finished product performance using wet chemistry, experimental milling and baking techniques, and bio-chemical analysis.Reliably generates, records and communicates accurate results using appropriate communication tools.Performs routine calibration and maintenance of lab equipment to ensure accuracy of results.Able to competently operate laboratory equipment interfaced with computer software. Once trained able to troubleshoot equipment problems to identify root causes & resolve issues.Supports the maintenance of electronic databases and timely documentation of results in laboratory notebooks. Generates simple reports, as directed.Provides technical support to cross functional teams as assigned. Activities may include but are not limited to innovation, renovation and mill related initiatives; plus, evaluation of new instrumentation and development of new test methods.Responsible for maintaining a lab environment that is clean, orderly and safe by following proper policies and procedures. Maintains stock of supplies; communicate needs to purchasing agentEssential skills and experience:Bachelors’ DegreeDemonstrated knowledge of good laboratory techniques and scientific methodologyAttention to detail and ability to keep details organizedMust be flexible, organized, and have demonstrated ability to handle changing prioritiesDemonstrated organizational and time management skillsDemonstrated willingness and ability to work with a sense of urgencyDemonstrated computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power PointDemonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize assignmentsAbility to write technical reports, business correspondence, and technical proceduresGood to have:Minimum of 2 years of relevant experiencePhysical requirements and working conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation):Able to lift 50 LB (20 KG)Flexible work conditions (Office, Laboratory, Pilot Plant, Coolers, Freezers & plant environment)Able to work with and consume wheat products; i.e. no wheat /gluten sensitivity, intolerance and/or allergiesOther considerations:Willing to travel up to 10% of timeThe preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.This role is based at the Ardent Mills Innovation Center (AMIC), located within our Denver, Colorado headquarters. Due to the nature of the position and the collaborative, hands-on work performed, regular on-site presence is required to perform the essential functions of the role.Location:Denver COAddress:1875 Lawrence Street, Denver CO, 80202Additional Locations (if applicable):Employment Type:Full timeAdditional Information:Competitive Compensation:We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $25.90 - $34.57, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus - MIP, 5% Annual.Benefits:At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include: • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage• Health and Dependent Savings Accounts • Life and Disability Programs • Voluntary Benefit Programs • Company Sponsored Wellness Programs • Retirement Savings with Company Match • Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP) • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays • Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE).Application Deadline:09/24/202609/24/2026EEO Commitment:At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills. The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.En Ardent Mills, todos importan y todos tienen voz. Estamos comprometidos a brindar un ambiente de respeto mutuo donde haya igualdad de oportunidades disponibles para todos los solicitantes y miembros del equipo y las decisiones se basarán en el mérito, la competencia, el desempeño y las necesidades comerciales. Estamos orgullosos de ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. No discriminamos por motivos de raza, color, religión, credo, origen nacional, ascendencia, estado civil, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género, discapacidad física o mental, embarazo, información genética, condición de veterano, edad, política. afiliación, o cualquier otra característica no meritoria protegida por ley o no. Juntos, celebrando nuestras diferencias, formamos Ardent Mills. La descripción del puesto anterior ha sido diseñada para indicar la naturaleza general y los deberes y responsabilidades esenciales del trabajo realizado por los empleados dentro de este puesto. Es posible que no contenga un inventario completo de todos los deberes, responsabilidades y calificaciones requeridas de los empleados en este puesto. La descripción, los deberes, las funciones y las responsabilidades están sujetos a cambios a discreción de Ardent Mills.Shift Differential:The Company provides a shift differential to eligible employees who are assigned to and work shifts outside of standard business hours. Shift differential is paid in addition to the employee's regular base hourly rate and is included in the calculation of the regular rate for overtime purposes.La Compañía proporciona un diferencial de turno a los empleados elegibles que están asignados a turnos de trabajo y fuera del horario comercial estándar. El diferencial de turnos se paga además de la tarifa horaria básica regular del empleado y se incluye en el cálculo de la tarifa regular para fines de horas extras.Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer:At Ardent Mills, the security of our employees and candidates is a priority. We will never request sensitive information such as your bank account information, social security number, or other non-publicly available information during the application and interview process. If someone asks you for sensitive information, we strongly advise that you assume that individual is not affiliated with Ardent Mills. Some things to watch out for:Slightly altered or unprofessional email addresses. Ardent Mills’ Recruitment team only corresponds from email addresses with the domain [e-mail] or [e-mail] job requirements or job descriptions. Our open job opportunities and descriptions can be found at ardentmillscareers.com