Summary/Objective
Lab Technician has expertise in maintaining inventory levels to create formulas following a recipe, analyzing data, and maintaining equipment to ensure accurate and efficient results. Proficient in adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols. Able to support food sample preparation and documentation. Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams to support internal processes. Committed to delivering timely results.

Essential Functions: Prepare and process samples, and materials while maintaining detailed records of observations and data. Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. Communicate data effectively to support research and quality assurance objectives. Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with team members and supervisors to taste samples, optimize workflows, and support ongoing projects and process improvements.

Responsibilities/Skills/Abilities:
• Utilizes independent judgment to develop supplier contact database and collaborate with suppliers for samples, pricing and documentation for raw materials.
• Has the authority to make decisions on lab inventory of raw materials and supplies needed to support daily tasks.
• Compound seasoning formulas and apply to finished product as needed for tasting.
• Taste various food products and ingredients daily for evaluation.
• Prepare seasoning samples and finished products for shipment to customers.
• Fill out project log with appropriate data for all resamples and off shelf samples.
• Preparation and setting up raw materials and retention samples for tasting.
• Maintain precise and detailed data keeping of all lot numbers of raw materials used in formulas.
• General Lab duties include loading and unloading dishwasher, emptying all trash and breaking down cardboard.
• Retrieving all incoming deliveries daily and log each shipment into incoming sample log.
• Input general data into Genesis such as nutritional information.
• Scan all formula sheets used for shipped samples on a weekly basis onto the server.
• Backup to manage lab inventory of raw materials and supplies needed to support daily tasks.
• Package up and heat seal all incoming base products from customers into individual foil bags within one day of receiving.
• Participating in brainstorming sessions for Innovation.
• Any additional tasks delegated from the food technologists and Vice President of R&D.
• The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

*Denotes food safety responsibilities
Work Experience Requirements:
• 1+ years’ experience in similar role preferred
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, instruments, and techniques, including sample preparation, testing, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or similar data management software is preferred.
• Demonstrates ability to follow protocols, record data accurately, and maintain organized documentation.

Education/Knowledge Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree or AS in Food Science or Scientific Discipline

Reports To: Vice President of Research & Development

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Backup: Secondary Lab Technician and a Food Technologist as required

Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged standing with short periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to follow instructions, learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of workflow, ability to complete tasks in situations that require a sense of urgency.
• Sufficient visual acuity to observe the appearance of products and cleanliness of production area and equipment.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and input test results.
• Ability to move as needed to inspect laboratory, warehouse, and storage areas.
• Good sense of taste and smell for product sampling.
• Be able to lift to 50 lbs. if needed.

Work environment/Hours:
• The work environment: temperature, noise level, inside or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Full-time Office hours are typically 8:30-5:00pm, Monday-Friday with occasional overtime.

EEO: We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by the law.