Laboratory Technician, AGRI

SGS•Vancouver, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Conduct required testing on agriculture and food samples such as moisture, protein, oil, fiber, ash, toxins, falling number, proximate analysis or other tests as seen suitable by the Lab Manager or Departmental Supervisor using applicable wet chemistry methods and various instruments (spectrometer, wet gluten analyzer, HPLC, GC, LCMSMS, ICP-OES, NIR, ELISA, LECO FP828, etc.) available in the laboratory. Accountable for performing and recording routine and non-routine instrument daily conditions, maintenance, preventive maintenance, and calibrations on (GCMS, HPLC and LCMSMS, NIR, LECO, ICP-OES, etc.) Conduct balance calibrations, pipette verifications, monitoring temperatures of ovens, fridges, freezers, etc. Adhere to proper labelling and documentation procedures for solvents, standards, reagents, etc. Familiarize with applicable standard operation procedures (SOP) Conduct proper sample storage and disposal practices and documentation. Participate in proficiency testing programs and support quality by assisting supervisor / manager in investigating questionable and unsatisfactory results. Liaise and resolve customer’s queries/results with the supervisor / manager and contribute to the resolution of customer complaints. Validate new methods for business growth or for customer requests and work on improving the efficiency of existing methods and SOPs as per the instructions provided by the supervisor / manager. Login and Data entry and review into LIMS, Excel, and other data entry modules Conduct sample pre-processing (sub sampling, homogenization, splitting, cleaning, grinding) as necessary Print control charts; maintain reagent logs, standards inventory, etc. documents. Adhere to the Company’s Quality Policy and Procedures and insure full compliance with the company’s Health & Safety, Code of Integrity, and Professional Conduct policies. Be aware of customer requirements and provide accurate and timely results to clients. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills including grammar and composition when communicating with clients, other lab technicians, lab analysts, and Lab Manager to make sure everyone stays on the same page. Participate in internal and external audits.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a Science related major (Chemistry, Agriculture, Food Science, or Environmental Science, etc.) is required.
A minimum of 1 – 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting is required
Familiar with Agricultural and Food matrixes.
Knowledge of ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025:1999 requirements.
Sound knowledge of good laboratory practices.
Familiar with official accredited methods such as ISO, AOAC, and AOCS methodology.
Must be able to read, understand and follow work instructions in a safe, accurate and timely manner.
Must be proficient in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.).
Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
Ability to work well with others & independently
Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail.
Works well under pressure and flexible to work extended hours from time to time.

Responsibilities

Conduct required testing on agriculture and food samples such as moisture, protein, oil, fiber, ash, toxins, falling number, proximate analysis or other tests as seen suitable by the Lab Manager or Departmental Supervisor using applicable wet chemistry methods and various instruments (spectrometer, wet gluten analyzer, HPLC, GC, LCMSMS, ICP-OES, NIR, ELISA, LECO FP828, etc.) available in the laboratory.
Performing and recording routine and non-routine instrument daily conditions, maintenance, preventive maintenance, and calibrations on (GCMS, HPLC and LCMSMS, NIR, LECO, ICP-OES, etc.)
Conduct balance calibrations, pipette verifications, monitoring temperatures of ovens, fridges, freezers, etc.
Adhere to proper labelling and documentation procedures for solvents, standards, reagents, etc.
Familiarize with applicable standard operation procedures (SOP)
Conduct proper sample storage and disposal practices and documentation.
Participate in proficiency testing programs and support quality by assisting supervisor / manager in investigating questionable and unsatisfactory results.
Liaise and resolve customer’s queries/results with the supervisor / manager and contribute to the resolution of customer complaints.
Validate new methods for business growth or for customer requests and work on improving the efficiency of existing methods and SOPs as per the instructions provided by the supervisor / manager.
Login and Data entry and review into LIMS, Excel, and other data entry modules
Conduct sample pre-processing (sub sampling, homogenization, splitting, cleaning, grinding) as necessary
Print control charts; maintain reagent logs, standards inventory, etc. documents.
Adhere to the Company’s Quality Policy and Procedures and insure full compliance with the company’s Health & Safety, Code of Integrity, and Professional Conduct policies.
Be aware of customer requirements and provide accurate and timely results to clients.
Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills including grammar and composition when communicating with clients, other lab technicians, lab analysts, and Lab Manager to make sure everyone stays on the same page.
Participate in internal and external audits.