Laboratory Support Specialist

Job Title: Laboratory Support Specialist 

Location: Newark, DE

Department: Quality 

Reports To: Quality Manager

Position Summary: The Laboratory Support Specialist plays a key role in supporting Quality Control (QC) operations by performing essential laboratory tasks that enhance testing efficiency and ensure timely delivery of quality results in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for preparing chemical standards and reagents, performing basic wet chemistry procedures (such as titrations and pH testing), assisting with sample preparation and analysis, and maintaining laboratory cleanliness and compliance with SOPs and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

The role also includes supporting reagent preparation in the Spin Reagent Preparation (SRP) Lab, ensuring accurate and traceable materials are supplied to production. The Laboratory Support Specialist works closely with QC Technicians and cross-functional teams to promote accuracy, speed, and consistency in laboratory workflows. This position offers the opportunity for professional development and may expand into leadership responsibilities over time based on performance and business needs.

Schedule & Hours:

- 8-hour shifts, M-F.

- Must be willing to adjust working hours, if needed, to support other shifts. This is critical for future promotion.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

· Prepare chemical standards, titrants, and reagents according to laboratory procedures.

· Prepare reagents in the SRP (Spin Reagent Preparation) Lab, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and readiness of materials used in manufacturing operations.

· Perform routine we chemistry techniques such as titrations, pH testing, and solution preparation (including chemical adjustments and dilutions).

· Perform physical and vacuum integrity testing on pouched disk products.

· Support QC testing by assisting technicians with sample preparation and analysis and provide backup coverage when needed.

· Interpret results and make reagent adjustments as needed to maintain consistency and performance.

· Maintain accurate records of preparation, testing, and equipment use in accordance with SOPs and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

· Perform basic equipment checks and assist with calibrations, verifications, and qualifications under guidance.

· Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and notify appropriate personnel when restocking is needed.

· Support document review, logbook maintenance, and data entry in quality systems.

· Help ensure laboratory cleanliness, organization, and compliance with safety and quality procedures.

· Participate in troubleshooting lab and production issues and recommend process improvements when appropriate.

· Support investigation of customer complaints related to SPIN products by providing test data and technical input.

· Facilitate communication across shifts by sharing observations and feedback to improve team coordination and continuity.

· Work closely with the lab manager to support lab operations and complete special tasks as assigned.

Miscellaneous:

· Participates in lean activities, including but not limited to:

o Lean training and lean events such as kaizen or a 5-day event.

o 5-S program in department or other areas assigned. 

o DMAICs. Continuously looks for ways to improve both the departments and own individual efficiencies and time management, as well as ways to improve any aspect of the Company’s operations and develops and implements DMAICs accordingly.

· Completes monthly safety observations. 

· Notifies Supervisors/Managers of any production, equipment, safety, personnel problems, etc. and cooperates in resolving such issues as well. 

· Provides Supervisors/Managers with feedback to determine where additional training would benefit and obtains additional training as necessary.

· Assists in other department activities as needed and performs other duties as assigned. 

· Assist with onboarding and informal training of new team members when appropriate or requested.

· Complies with all Company policies (i.e. personnel, safety, etc.).

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education

· Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field preferred. Equivalent laboratory experience will also be considered.

Experience 

· Minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience (academic, QC, or industrial).

· Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques such as titrations, pH measurement, and preparation of chemical solutions.

· Familiarity with general Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and basic laboratory safety procedures.

· Preferred: Experience working in a Quality Control or Quality Assurance environment in manufacturing.

· Preferred: Prior experience training others, leading small projects, or assisting with shift coordination.

Skills & Abilities

· General computer knowledge and the ability to use Microsoft 365 applications (e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word).

· Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.

· Excellent math and problem-solving skills are required.

· Must be able to work independently and as part of a team and work overtime as needed.

· Must be able to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

· Excellent communication skills are a must. The Position requires communication with SPIN production personnel and QC and R&D personnel.

· Individuals must be focused on the task and not easily distracted.

· Interest in professional development and taking on increased responsibility over time.

Environmental Factors & Mental/Physical Demands: 

· Works indoors in a humidity and temperature-controlled environment. 

· Requires walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, reaching, climbing step ladders, transporting up to 50 pounds, handling loaded pallet jacks & operating various equipment.

· Requires mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, communication, judgment, decision making and troubleshooting skills, ability to multi-task, and attention to detail. 

· Requires good color perception and ability to pass a color test

About Us: 

LaMotte Company, a 100+ year-old global industry leader in developing and manufacturing premier water analysis solutions, operating in Newark, DE, Chestertown, MD and Warwick, UK. Our products are used around the world to accurately, quickly, and conveniently test water in a multitude of applications.

LaMotte offers paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Full-time employees, who regularly work at least 30 hours per week, are eligible for employer-provided insurance including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and supplemental insurance. Full-time employees are eligible to contribute to our 401(k) plan with an employer match available.

LaMotte is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws.