Lab Technician

This permanent position supports the Quality Assurance department through testing batches of product while these products are in process. Tests include brix, pH, water activity, titrations, viscosities and organoleptic evaluations. Results are tabulated into databases for future reference. Knowledge of basic laboratory principals is an advantage. Environment is a clean and modern lab working with terrific people.

Essential Jobs and Duties:

• Calibration of laboratory equipment
• Perform analytical tests on raw materials and finished products
• Work with production to make adjustments to batches in order to adhere to product specifications
• Running batch freezer to make finished product for further study and sensory evaluation
• Preparation of bench top R&D studies via scaling ingredients, record keeping, etc.
• Complete reports such as QC Incidents and Product Hold
• Respond to customer questions or concerns in a professional and appropriate manner
• Inspection of inbound receipt screens for various liquids
• Maintaining the finished goods and raw material retention library
• Sampling of finished product for microbial analysis
• Maintaining the lot code identification signage and database used in ingredient storage areas
• Maintaining of raw material specification documentation and product specification documentation
• Maintaining of finished product specification documentation

Our products, equipment, and methods are continually evolving. The duties associated with this position will change and evolve as needed. This individual is required to be willing and able to take on new responsibilities as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, R&D, or related course of study preferred
• Two to three years of related quality assurance or lab experience

Skills and Expectations:

This individual must have fundamental knowledge of the duties and equipment described above. Training provided as needed. The workload in this position can be demanding at times and the completion of batch testing for production is critical.

Key Skills and Specifications are as follows:

• Ability to prioritize and organize ones work load
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as individually in an environment with changing priorities
• Ability to manage time effectively

• Maintain proper lab conditions and equipment maintenance
• Maintain proper record keeping and perform data entry
• Be capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office and plant areas
• Perform basic math skills
• Proficient computer skills, including above average knowledge of MS Excel
• Understand and perform scaling/measuring in standard and metric formats

I. Rice is an equal opportunity employer and derives our staff skills through a diverse and talented workforce. This person will work closely with all departments and persons in our facility and must conduct themselves professionally at all times.

Physical Demands

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Being able to withstand long periods of time on one’s feet
• Working and walking in a wet environment
• Climbing of steps

Competitive salary and medical benefits plus 401K