Quality Control (QC) Laboratory Technician

Main Functions

Purpose: 
To consistently perform precise and accurate laboratory testing on a variety of samples such as raw materials, in-process, finished product, environmental samples, etc.  to ensure the quality of inputs and outputs of all cream yeast and packaged products. 

Essential Functions (where applicable based on site’s process):

• Performs microbiological testing including master aseptic plating and transfers, media preparation techniques and pathogen testing for Salmonella and Listeria.
• Performs chemical and physical analyses including but not limited to moisture, protein, phosphate, starch, salt, specific gravity, brix, sludge and NIR.
• Performs tests on our wastewater streams and biobed including total suspended solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), sludge profile, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and alkalinity. 
• Performs yeast appearance and sensory testing including odor, color and texture analysis.
• Prepares various media and reagents.
• Performs sampling in the plant of raw materials including process water, molasses, production line and receivers/fermenters, etc.
• Prepares and inoculates laboratory culture vessels required for the first factory fermentation stage.
• Performs quality control checks on finished product. Prepares and sends samples to external laboratories.
• Maintains, calibrates and/or verifies laboratory equipment.Troubleshoots and corrects equipment problems.
• Participates in the various proficiency testing programs to ensure the reproducibility and accuracy of the data generated by the laboratory.
• Properly documents and reports laboratory data.  
• Records data manually and/or electronically.
• Communicates results to production departments and Laboratory Manager as needed.
• Interprets testing results and places nonconforming product on hold pending rework/disposition instructions by the QA/QC or Laboratory Manager.
• Prepares Certificates of Analysis based on positive release program and releases product based on preestablished compliance criteria (where applicable)
• Applies statistical process control (SPC) tools to proactively detect and communicate data trends.
• Contributes to maintaining and improving a clean and orderly laboratory environment.
• Completes required general cleaning or housekeeping duties according to frequencies established.
• Applies Good Laboratory Practices, ISO 17 025 principles, Lean Six Sigma Tools and Health and Safety practices in their day-to-day work.
• Train fellow laboratory technicians and learn new techniques as needed.
• Inventories and orders laboratory equipment and/or supplies as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Technical skills

Required

• Working knowledge in Good Laboratory Practices and aseptic sampling principles.
• Experience with or an interest in the application of lean six sigma principles into a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Prior experience with a LIMS is a plus.
• Accuracy and attention to detail; logical and methodical approach to problem solving.
• Aseptic techniques and profficient in Microbiology

An asset

• Prior experience and/or an understanding of the ISO 17 025 standard, Good Manufacturing Practices and/or HACCP principles is a plus.
• An understanding of statistical process control (SPC) tools and experience with an SPC charting software such as Minitab is a plus.

Personal abilities

Required

• Ability to develop and maintain productive and positive relationships with co-workers, both inside and outside the laboratory department.

General criteria

Required

• Work in a laboratory environment permeated by the aroma of yeast
• Frequently required to sit, talk, and hear
• Constantly required to walk and stand
• Regularly uses hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds (23 kg)

Organization

Lallemand is a privately held Canadian company founded in the late 19th century, which develops, produces, and markets microorganisms for various markets. The administrative offices of the parent company are in Montreal, Canada. Today, Lallemand employs more than 5,000 people working in more than 45 countries on 5 continents.

Lallemand Baking offers a range of superior quality baker's yeast – both fresh and dry varieties – and specialty ingredients to meet bakers' needs across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Baking cultures and dough conditioners round out our impressive product range.

The Lallemand baking team's many branches collaborate closely to provide innovative products and efficient services, backed by a skilled technical support team in each region of operations.

Please take note that accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.