R&D Laboratory Technician

Company Description

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 55,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 50 countries. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

Job Description

Summary

The R&D Laboratory Technician is responsible for providing support to the Research and Development (R&D) department by performing a variety of laboratory procedures of technical nature. These procedures include, but are not limited to, gathering, and preparing samples and substances for analysis; maintaining laboratory inventory; handling sensitive equipment to analyze samples or substances; collecting and analyzing data; and reporting findings to a Project Manager. The R&D Lab Tech will work with potentially hazardous materials such as pathogens or chemicals and is well-trained to maintain safe laboratory conditions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Gather and prepare samples and substances for laboratory testing and analysis
• Maintain laboratory inventory of samples, reagents, and other related laboratory supplies
• Ensure that all safety guidelines are followed at all times and maintain a clean and orderly environment
• Maintain and operate sophisticated laboratory equipment
• Conduct experiments using sound scientific methods to verify/reject various types of hypotheses
• Run both manual and automated assays (ELISA, Western Blot, and others) to produce reliable and precise data
• Clearly document work, including procedures, observations, and results
• Effectively communicate results of experiments and/or assays to others

Non-Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Set-up, maintain, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment
• When time permits, provide assistance to Validation Specialists and aide in the kit assembly process

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Chemistry, or a related field required
• 1-2 years of previous work experience in a similar position preferred
• Previous ELISA and/or Western Blot testing experience preferred

Computer Skills

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox
• Must be willing and able to learn other software programs as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities

• General Laboratory knowledge (use of equipment; pipetting; personal safety, general lab practices)
• Must have strong attention to detail
• Must be able to work both autonomously and as a member of a team
• Ability to comprehend scientific materials and instructions
• Preferred understanding of statistical methods and probability
• Knowledge of FDA and ISO Quality System Regulations (cGMP and cGLP) pertaining to medical devices
• Must be able to effectively communicate results with team members
• Ability to record data, make computations, and analyze results
• Must be able and willing to adhere to corporation personnel policies and practices, including attendance and punctuality requirements.

Certificate and Licenses

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Math Ability

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as basic algebra, volume, probability, and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. May need to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, and quadratic equations. Must be able to determine test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, and correlation techniques.

Language Ability

Must have the ability to perform all the following in English:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as short correspondence, memos, safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations

Equipment

• General Laboratory Equipment (pipettes, scientific balances, volumetric glassware, etc.)
• Incubators, shakers, 96-well plate readers, laboratory freezers and refrigerators
• Gold Standard Diagnostic’s proprietary equipment
• Computers, printers, and faxes

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to stand for long periods of time; sit; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; talk; hear; and smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and may be required to lift to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.

In this position, the employee will be required to work in a team environment where the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, blood borne pathogens, and human serum. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold (non-weather). The employee will be required to handle human specimens (whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, etc.) and may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

Additional Information

Compensation:

• $20.00-$25.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

What we offer:

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA In Vitro Diagnostics Solutions is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.