Laboratory Associate I

Hygiena LLC • Camarillo, CA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

Hygiena provides rapid microbiology diagnostic tests and solutions for mission-critical, time-sensitive processes around the world. Hygiena’s proprietary diagnostic technologies enable customers to; prevent illness and save lives, comply with regulations, protect products and brands, run businesses more effectively. Solutions are sold in a wide range of industries globally, but the core focus is food safety. Headquartered in Camarillo, California and with offices around the world, we are actively looking for talented individuals to help grow the business!

At Hygiena we believe:

In providing the highest quality products & service
Being a leader in innovation
Having a compelling desire to improve and win in the marketplace
In contributing positively not only in the workplace, but in our community and environment!

With rapid growth comes opportunity. We are looking for a Laboratory Associate I to join our team in Camarillo, CA.

The Laboratory Associate – Testing is responsible for ensuring products shipped to Hygiena customers meet product specifications. Perform incoming raw material testing, work-in-process testing, environmental testing, water quality testing, perform investigative testing and final QC product testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related field, or equivalent education and work experience in a laboratory or manufacturing environment, required.
• Recent graduate and/or a minimum of 0-2 years of experience working in a laboratory or manufacturing environment required that includes the following: knowledge of cGMP; aseptic technique
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication,
• Must be able to use discretion and independent judgement.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Must be able to pay close attention to details.
• Must be able to adapt and flex to a changing environment.
• Must be able to lift/carry 20 pounds.
• Microbiology expertise: aseptic technique, media prep, plating, dilutions, microbial classification and physiology
• Show good self and situational awareness
• Ability to take control during presentations to senior management
• Leadership skills, can mentor and be an arbiter for team members
• Will occasionally be required to travel.
• May occasionally work evenings and/or weekends.
• Required to wear lab coat and gloves throughout shift while working in the lab and occasionally a 5-piece PPE.

Responsibilities

• Perform product final QC Testing on every product manufactured by following standard operating procedures and records QC test data on shared networks to be reviewed by team members and/or Supervisors.
• Repeat testing of products in the event of product failure or failed test results and find a solution to remedy product issues by working closely with R&D and Quality teams to identify the cause.
• Review processes and work with the Reagent Production Supervisor to resolve issues quickly and concisely.
• Time Management - Once fully trained, expected to complete assigned tasks by given due date, with little to no oversight.
• Perform Work in Process (WIP) Testing on products coming off the filling lines to confirm reagent solution performs as expected at the start of day. Prepare required reagents, instruments and other equipment required for WIP testing every morning, equilibrates specific products to room temperature to prepare for testing, and informs Quality and Production departments once ready to begin manufacturing. Retest products if they fail to meet required specifications and inform Production and Quality departments to halt operations.
• Document all stages of testing procedures to ensure records are accurate to be able to quickly assess the results, find a solution to the issues, and prevent future issues.
• Perform testing of incoming raw materials, vendor provided solutions and customer provided solutions per established assay protocols.
• Review assay results included on the Incoming/Inspection record form for each raw material and completes tests before being released and approved for use in Solution manufacturing.
• Provide Quality department with Incoming/Inspection reports to be filed and easily accessible in the event of issues.
• Test all manufacturing environments to measure levels of cleanliness of laboratories and filling rooms, including counters, tables, curtains, equipment, machines, and air quality level.
• Calibrates air sampling machine, sterilizes rotor, and ensures contact plates and air strips are available for monthly environmental testing.
• Document all environmental testing accurately and in real-time, providing the test results to the Quality team and informs team of any results that exceed specified levels immediately.

Benefits

• 15 days of PTO & 9 paid company holidays
• Medical with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date
• Company paid Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability and an Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor and Profit-Sharing employer contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Charitable Contribution matching
• Employee Referral bonus opportunities
• State paid short-term disability for California based employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level