Laboratory Technician

Job Description

Lab Technicians are responsible for completing and recording a variety of Laboratory based analytical tests. They perform process tests, finished product testing, and specialized sample testing for applications such as water quality and contaminant identification. Strict testing procedures are required to assure repeatability and reproducibility of testing results. Correct recording and sharing of testing results is a critical aspect of the job.

What will be expected from you?

• Comply with all applicable government regulations for safety and environmental issues.
• Perform regular walk-arounds of assigned areas to ensure good housekeeping, safety equipment/procedure compliance, safety hazard recognition, etc. Maintains a sanitary contaminate free work area which includes cleaning work surfaces, washing, sterilizing and distributing clean glassware as needed.
• Report safety & environmental issues so they may be addressed.
• Support the Health and Safety Walk Around Committee and other Safety Processes.
• Attend safety meetings and safety training sessions as required.
• Monitor laboratory instrumentation and ensure performance is within desired ranges by performing calibrations, running SQC samples, etc. Lab techs must be proficient in using the laboratory instrumentation and some complex lab machinery and computer programs necessary to conduct required tests. Lab techs must check the instruments for calibration, recognize the beginning of malfunctions and be able to make adjustments as necessary.
• Perform required sample analyses and record results as required. Perform special analyses as required by unit supervision and report results.
• Review laboratory analyses for accuracy of data. Investigate discrepancies or inconsistent results. Notify operations personnel of suspected or know quality issues.
• Ensure products to be loaded meet required shipping specifications and communicate results in a timely manner.
• Make required rounds to ensure proper instrument operation and to perform required visual and olfactory inspections. Complete all quality records/compliance documents properly. Participate in safety walk when necessary.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the equipment, instruments, and testing procedures in all areas of qualification.
• Help train other lab technicians as required.
• Handle all maintenance items in assigned area including equipment/instrument safing and writing and issuing work permits.
• Complete equipment/instrument checklists each shift or as often as required. Monitor and maintain instruments as required to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain good housekeeping in all assigned areas including break room.
• Attend necessary training on process and procedures.
• Attend required EH&S and other mandatory training.
• Communicate additional training needs/issues to unit supervision.
• Updates job knowledge by cross-training and completing special assignments as require.
• Identify problem areas within the lab. Examine and evaluate data, identify corrective steps and validate conclusions with trained chemists.
• Communicate suggestions to unit supervision, chemists or other appropriate means of communication.
• Help identify inefficiencies and work towards elimination. Participate in investigations or audits related to lab issues including Incident Investigations, EH&S or Quality audits, PHAs, HAZOPs, etc.
• Review daily guidelines and inform supervision of any issues affecting ability to follow guidelines. Review daily orders since last shift worked.
• Inform unit supervision of any issues that may impact other areas in the plant.
• Communicate area status and challenges to the Operation Team Leader and shift relief at the end of the shift. Prepare written and/or electronic shift handover report as required.
• Request technical support when necessary for resolution of problems.
• Assist other employees in accomplishment of Indorama company goals.
• Work collaboratively with team members with different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Follows instructions and performs other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.
• Work schedules in the lab are either 12-hour rotating shift schedule or 8-hour day schedule.
• Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to work overtime.
• Ensure that the activities are carried out to comply with the integrated management system, as applicable (safety, food safety, GMP, health, environmental, quality and responsible care requirements).
• Essential functions require presence in the workplace on a regular basis and an ability to work extra hours if needed. If applicable, ability to work overtime may be needed to ensure required staffing capacity to meet daily production objectives.
• Work collaboratively with team members with different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Assists other employees in accomplishments of Indorama company goals. Follows instructions and performs other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.
• Participates in Environmental, Health, & Safety initiatives as set forth by the company. Participates in and completes company required training programs.

What are we looking for in the ideal candidate?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related science discipline required.
• 7 years of specific laboratory technician experience in a petrochemical, refinery or medical field setting may possibly be substituted for education.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker identification Credential (TWIC)
• Must have and maintain a valid state driver’s license and wear corrective lenses when required.
• Must have experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office software and email programs.
• Must be able to verbally communicate across plant communication systems.
• Must have effective oral, written and computer communication skills.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Must be able to hear radio communications and all audible alarms.