Analytical Laboratory Technician

Thorne•Summerville, SC

About The Position

The Analytical Laboratory Technician supports Thorne’s Quality Control Laboratory by performing routine analytical testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and other samples in a regulated manufacturing environment. The position follows established SOPs, work instructions, and approved analytical methods, and is responsible for sample receiving and preparation, testing, documentation, and maintaining an organized, compliant laboratory. Depending on experience, training, and certification level, the technician may perform advanced testing, troubleshoot methods and instrumentation, participate in method development, and provide technical guidance to colleagues. The role requires accurate, consistent work and adherence to applicable cGMP, GDP, SOP, and ISO 17025 requirements. The technician manages assigned testing to support laboratory turnaround times, communicates sample status and concerns, collaborates with laboratory colleagues and leadership, and completes training and applicable qualifications. Assigned shifts and overtime may be required. The career-level expectations described for Analytical Laboratory Technician I include basic routine testing, sample receipt and distribution, wet bench analyses and titrations, and working under general supervision. The physical requirements include working safely with potentially allergenic ingredients and products, periodic exposure to acids, solvents, fumes, and airborne particles while using PPE, moving around the laboratory, operating equipment, reading small print, and occasionally lifting or moving items up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and produce accurate, reproducible results.
Working knowledge of basic analytical laboratory principles and qualitative and quantitative testing techniques.
Ability to perform sample receiving, preparation, routine testing, and laboratory documentation.
Understanding of wet chemistry, titrations, and other established analytical procedures.
Ability to recognize unexpected or aberrant analytical results and communicate concerns appropriately.
Ability to troubleshoot routine laboratory analyses.
Working knowledge of cGMP, GDP, SOPs, work instructions, and laboratory quality requirements.
Understanding of laboratory documentation, data accuracy, reproducibility, and traceability.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, decimals, and laboratory measurements.
Proficiency with or ability to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn and effectively use laboratory software and systems, including a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Ability to safely work with ingredients and products derived from potentially allergenic sources, including nuts, soy, dairy, fish, and shellfish.
Ability to work in laboratory environments with periodic exposure to acids, solvents, fumes, and airborne particles while using required PPE.
Ability to wear laboratory PPE, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves.
Ability to remain stationary and move throughout the laboratory unassisted during the assigned shift.
Ability to safely and carefully operate laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other employees.
Ability to see and read small print.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 30 pounds, including between floor and table height.
Ability to periodically reach overhead and to the side while performing laboratory activities.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.
Relevant laboratory experience and demonstrated aptitude for technical laboratory assignments preferred.
Experience performing routine analytical testing in a laboratory environment preferred.
Familiarity with sample preparation, wet chemistry, titrations, or other laboratory testing techniques preferred.
Experience in a cGMP-regulated laboratory or manufacturing environment preferred.
Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC, HPLC, and LC-MS, according to assigned responsibilities and certification level.
Ability to troubleshoot major instrumentation issues at advanced levels.
Familiarity with applicable ISO 17025 laboratory management system requirements.

Responsibilities

Receive incoming samples and distribute them to appropriate testing areas.
Perform routine qualitative and quantitative testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and other samples.
Conduct basic wet chemistry and bench analyses, including titrations and established analytical procedures.
Prepare samples, standards, solutions, and reagents according to approved methods.
Perform assigned testing using established SOPs, work instructions, and analytical methods.
Operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation safely and according to approved procedures.
Produce accurate, consistent, and reproducible analytical results; recognize and communicate unexpected or potentially aberrant results.
Troubleshoot routine analytical issues within the scope of training and proficiency, and support advanced testing and instrumentation troubleshooting when qualified.
Maintain laboratory supplies and support inventory management.
Perform housekeeping and cleaning to maintain a safe, organized, compliant laboratory.
Perform laboratory activities in accordance with applicable cGMP, GDP, SOPs, work instructions, approved test methods, and ISO 17025 requirements.
Complete accurate, timely, and traceable documentation of procedures, testing activities, observations, and results.
Maintain impartiality and confidentiality, and identify and communicate risks to impartiality, confidentiality, data integrity, or compliance.
Follow approved procedures to document, investigate, or escalate unexpected results; support laboratory quality and inspection readiness.
Manage testing activities efficiently to meet turnaround-time expectations and communicate sample status, delays, concerns, and risks.
Collaborate with Analytical Chemists, Laboratory Technicians, Shift Leads, and laboratory leadership on daily testing priorities.
Provide technical support to colleagues and supervisors within demonstrated expertise.
Complete laboratory objectives accurately and within established timeframes.
Participate in required technical training and maintain applicable analytical qualifications and certifications.
Support continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency, documentation, and testing processes.
Work assigned shifts and overtime as required.