Wheat Quality Lab Research Assistant

Limagrain Cereal Seeds, LLC; Windsor (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Limagrain Cereal Seeds Wheat Quality Lab is seeking a Quality Lab Assistant to support end-use quality tests on experimental wheat lines and varieties, ensuring new wheat varieties meet mill and bake quality standards.

You will prioritize and prepare incoming samples from US and Canada, coordinate with the Lab Manager and breeders, analyze kernel hardness, protein, falling number, and flour milling yield, and communicate results accurately.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, or Associate Degree in a relevant field with equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Support end-use quality tests on experimental wheat lines and varieties.
• Prioritize, organize and prepare incoming wheat samples for testing from the breeding programs in US and Canada.
• Analyze physical grain attributes such as kernel hardness (SKCS), protein (NIR), falling number, and flour milling yield.
• Evaluate performance of milled flour using NIR for protein, moisture and ash; gluten quality (mixograph, farinograph and extensograph); solvent retention profile for soft wheat and falling number.
• Communicate accurate results of quality testing.
• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment; troubleshoot issues to ensure accuracy of results.
• Operate laboratory equipment interfaced with computer software.
• Maintain a clean, orderly and safe lab environment and assist other teams as needed.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

Associate Degree in a relevant field with equivalent experience

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

As the Quality Lab Assistant, you will be responsible for supporting the Limagrain Cereal Seeds Wheat Quality Lab by performing various end-use quality tests on experimental wheat lines and varieties, working to ensure that new wheat varieties being released have acceptable mill and bake qualities that meet the expectations of farmers and end-users.

• Prioritize, organize and prepare incoming wheat samples for testing from the breeding programs in US and Canada. Work with Lab Manager and breeders to determine testing needs by wheat class, breeding stage, number of samples and deadline.
• Analyze physical grain attributes such as kernel hardness (SKCS), protein (NIR), falling number, and flour milling yield.
• Evaluate performance of milled flour using NIR for protein, moisture and ash; gluten quality (mixograph, farinograph and extensograph); solvent retention profile for soft wheat and falling number.
• Reliably generate, summarize and communicate accurate results of quality testing.
• Perform routine calibration and maintenance of lab equipment to ensure accuracy of results. Troubleshoot equipment problems to identify causes & resolve issues as needed.
• Competently operate laboratory equipment interfaced with computer software.
• Maintain a lab environment that is clean, orderly and safe by following proper policies and procedures of LCS.
• Assist other teams within LCS as needed to meet overall company goals.

What we expect of you

• Technical Skills – Demonstrated knowledge of good laboratory techniques.Mill and bake skills are not necessary but they must have the desire and ability to learn to become the lab baker.
• Interpersonal Skills – Possess strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to develop and maintain productive work relationships with various positions within the organization such as research associates, breeders, lab personnel, sales managers, financial and administrative staff.
• Project Planning & Scheduling- Create and manage detailed project plans, defining tasks, milestones, and resources.
• Teamwork - Team player with a positive attitude. Ability to lead as well as collaborate.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Accepts personal responsibility for tasks fulfillment and job performance.
• Professionalism - Highly self-motivated individual, with a high level of time management and organizational skills and a creative aptitude. Well-organized, committed, accurate and thorough, with attention to detail.
• Adaptability - Ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Ensures work responsibilities are covered.
• Dependability - Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner.

Education & work experience required:

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, or Associate Degree in a relevant field with equivalent experience.