Laboratory Technician - Level 1

POLARIS Laboratories•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician, Level I, generates high-quality laboratory data at large capacity for POLARIS Laboratory customers using laboratory instruments and established work instructions. The role develops proficiency in assigned laboratory methods while meeting customer turnaround-time expectations and adhering to procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements. The position uses common software and laboratory information systems to document work, meets daily production requirements, troubleshoots and escalates instrument issues, and performs instrument maintenance. It supports quality and safety programs, maintains assigned test certifications and training, and contributes to team goals and process improvement. The role works collaboratively with Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Data Analysis, Sample Processing, Maintenance and Calibration, Quality, and cross-functional teams. This is a second-shift position, scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. Laboratory personnel are required to wear eye protection while in the laboratory and maintain required safety training. POLARIS Laboratories provides required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Requirements

GED or high school diploma required.
Ability to work in a fast-paced production laboratory environment.
Current on all mandatory POLARIS training (Core Document Training) at the end of the 90-day period.
Internal candidates must have gone 12 months with no written warnings.
A satisfactory 90-day review must be on file.
Mechanical ability and fine motor skills.
Ability to perform multiple tasks within the same timeframe and repetitive tasks.
Ability to maintain a well-organized workspace.
Ability to identify and resolve issues through troubleshooting.
High attention to detail and ability to complete actions accurately.
Ability to detect color and odor.
Ability to apply process steps to complete actions.
Effective communication and time-management skills.
Accuracy in sample handling, data entry, and documentation.
Ability to identify discrepancies and escalate concerns appropriately.
Ability to comply with required safety training and use assigned PPE.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a production or laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

Use common software including ADP, HRN, JIRA, Reliance, and Microsoft Teams; accurately enter and document data in LIMS; print paperwork and research sample history.
Meet daily production requirements while maintaining quality standards and working according to the assigned schedule and attendance policy.
Troubleshoot and appropriately escalate instrument issues, and perform instrument maintenance using available resources.
Follow work instructions, achieve and maintain audits for assigned tests and documents, and stay current with training-document changes.
Maintain high quality as measured through customer satisfaction, CAPAs, and customer complaints.
Report and help prevent safety-related incidents, use PPE appropriately, and achieve and maintain safety-course certifications.
Communicate business needs to leaders and support team members in achieving team goals.
Bring ideas and recommendations for process and efficiency improvements through the Lean initiative.
Maintain laboratory organization and housekeeping standards in accordance with 5S principles.
Collaborate with Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Data Analysis, Sample Processing, and Maintenance and Calibration to resolve issues.
Collaborate with the Quality department on audits and with cross-functional teams to support Kaizens.
Support the POLARIS Employee Handbook and Standards of Conduct, quality management system, safety programs, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Maintain up-to-date HAZMAT, OSHA, RCRA, Methylene Chloride, and General Laboratory Safety training.
Report defective, damaged, or lost PPE, or equipment that does not fit properly, to the Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.