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Job Purpose and Impact

The Microbiology Laboratory Technician will perform testing in the laboratory. In this role, you will ensure all testing is performed in accordance with ISO 17025 standards, laboratory policies and procedures and established company guidelines.

Key Accountabilities

• Sample set up including preparation of culture media, petri plates, test tubes and solutions, maintain microbiological stock cultures, decontaminate wastes.
• Prepare samples, perform microbiological testing and conduct routine quantitative and qualitative laboratory tests independently and support more complex trials and experiments according to laboratory procedures and test methods, scope, and as assigned by Laboratory Supervisor or designee to ensure compliance to programs, including monitoring adherence to regulations and assistance in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the management system and safe laboratory practices to protect self and others and comply with Cargill environmental, health, and safety policies.
• Identify, record, and correct nonconformities, potential nonconformities, and laboratory process improvements on a continuous basis and report results to customers (if applicable) by interpreting and documenting test results, communicate results to internal and external customers as required and assist with the evaluation and interpretation of complex data, identify problems with atypical test results and consult with Laboratory Supervisor or designee.
• Maintain the laboratory environment and supplies including inventory of reagents, monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory environment and equipment by completing calibration checks, preventive maintenance tasks, and simple repairs, rotation of media stocks and disposal of retain samples, coordinate external calibrations and maintenance as needed and perform monthly lab environmental tests.
• Support food safety, quality and regulatory culture and collaborate cross functionally to build, maintain and improve an effective food safety, quality, and regulatory culture by completing appropriate facility and laboratory training, recertification, and proficiency monitoring, support training and onboarding of other laboratory staff.
• Handle complex clerical, administrative, technical or customer support issues under minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, secondary education level or equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of related work experience.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Suite and basic lab techniques.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, food science, or related science and/or related work experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• Strong level of competence with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and management of ISO 17025 accreditations and/or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Knowledge of microbiology, preparation of culture media, laboratory equipment and advanced laboratory techniques.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems and software (examples: CPNA LIMS, SAP).

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Position Information

This position requires:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate lab equipment, computers, and other laboratory testing components.
• Potential exposure to chemical and microbiological hazards, including odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and pathogens.
• Potential exposure physical hazards, including noise, hot and cold temperatures, and mechanical pinch points.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to wear designated PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, face shield, gloves, close-toed shoes, etc.)
• Color vision and depth perception.