Lead Lab Tech

Lesaffre Group • Cedar Rapids, IA

8d

About The Position

The Lead Lab Tech conducts chemical and physical analysis of raw materials and yeast, as well as microbiological analysis of in-process and finished products. The role interacts with other company departments to obtain samples, explain maintenance needs, and request supplies from outside the laboratory.

The Lead Lab Tech coordinates and leads weekend laboratory activities, including reviewing data, requesting retests, ensuring clearances are completed promptly, and performing special testing. The position also troubleshoots issues such as equipment maintenance and out-of-specification results. Responsibilities include preparing pure-culture yeast for fermentations, conducting tests according to written procedures, maintaining and calibrating equipment, preparing chemical solutions, and recording results accurately. The role requires a strong commitment to safety and the ability to guide coworkers while working with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field.
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks during the day.
• Ability to make independent decisions about repeating tests.
• Ability to follow written procedures and work in an organized, precise, observant, and efficient manner with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accurate timing and procedures for each task.
• Ability to lead a team and provide guidance to coworkers.
• Detail-oriented and safety-minded.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two years of chemistry-related laboratory experience.
• Computer knowledge, especially Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety protocols and participate in required safety programs.
• Coordinate and lead weekend laboratory activities, including reviewing data, requesting retests, ensuring timely clearances, and conducting special testing.
• Serve as a point of contact for troubleshooting issues, including equipment maintenance and out-of-specification results.
• Conduct microbiological analyses of samples and prepare pure-culture yeast for use in fermentations.
• Conduct tests including nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, color, percentage of buds, dry matter, sugar, and Brix; follow written procedures, calculate results, and record them in logbooks.
• Conduct chemical and physical analyses of raw materials and yeast in both in-process and finished products.
• Test yeast activity using a Risograph.
• Follow written procedures to test various types of dough using different yeast lots or types.
• Maintain equipment and the general work area, including cleaning and calibrating equipment, recording maintenance, checking equipment functionality, and keeping the area clean and orderly.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, including analytical balances, centrifuges, mixers, drying ovens, pH meters, color meters, stir plates, labware, Risographs, spectrophotometers, distillation units, mineralization units, fume hoods, chemicals, incubators, water baths, thermometers, titrators, YSI 2700D, LECO, and Elementar equipment.
• Prepare chemical solutions for processing areas and ensure those areas have an adequate supply.
• Perform tests accurately and consistently, following procedures in the same way each day.
• Complete bi-annual proficiency tests.
• Repeat analyses when results are uncertain or unusual.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Day-one medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with a 4% match and an additional discretionary employer contribution.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 80 hours of vacation time annually.
• 48 hours of sick time annually.
• Life insurance.
• AD&D insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Short-Term Disability.
• Long-Term Disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree