The Quality Control Chemist/Microbiologist I is responsible for testing products made by Breeder’s Choice or other customers to ascertain compliance to specifications. After review by lab leadership, products are then released for distribution. This position is a key contributor to the Breeder’s Choice food safety program in that only product that is compliant may go to the field for consumption by pets.
- Performs and documents daily and weekly housekeeping of the laboratory including appropriate and safe disposal of trash and waste, cleaning lab surfaces and refrigerator and other items as outlines in the GMP/GLP procedures. Must abide by safety guidelines and wear appropriate PPE. Approves and signs off on logs, including logs from other lab staff
- Performs and records accurately moderate difficulty assay procedures and prints results of assays in a safe manner wearing all appropriate PPE
- Performs and documents preventive maintenance and minor repairs of designated equipment as needed. Alerts supervisor immediately of any defects, major repairs, or other issues beyond minor repairs and maintenance to be resolved efficiently and safely. Informs staff of low inventory supply for optimal efficiency and ease of access.
- Makes and documents standards, controls, reagents, and media as necessary.
- Trains other staff members QA procedures, emphasizing safety and proper PPE wear. Documents training.
- Organizes and files data accurately in proper locations.
- Suggests in a professional and organized manner improvements to lab process with supervisor. Assists in creating and implementing new approved guidelines and SOPs.
- Performs other tasks as assigned. Collaborates with other staff members on other projects and tasks.
Major Responsibilities:
- Responsible for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) with “safety first” in mind.
- Be aware of and maintain compliance to all Federal, State, County, and City requirements for safe operations of the laboratory. Be aware of ISO 17025 requirements and prepare the lab for any possible inspections or audits.
- Strictly follow testing and inspection procedures for raw materials, new, and current products as per described in SOPs.
- Periodically review lab operations such as facility, equipment, methods, practices, controls, and records to assure compliance with regulations and standards.
- Communicate observations made during audits/reviews to the management, and/or other site personnel as appropriate. Provide follow-up input and audits to ensure corrective actions audits are implemented and effective.
- Be open to cross training in other functional areas to allow the lab greater flexibility.
- Maintain document control and calibration records
- Support Change Control process
- Relieve other staff for lunch, breaks, vacation, sick, weekends/off shifts (upon request) on a as needed basis.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Must possess personal integrity and practice discretion.
- Must be able to stand for long periods (1-2 hours), bending, stooping, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
- Must be able to work under fluorescent lighting for 8-10 hours per day.
- Must possess good written and verbal skills to be concise and comprehensive.
- Must possess good interpersonal skills in order to interact well with other departments, co-workers and contractors.
- Must be able to visualize and investigate alternatives to process and procedures.
- Must exercise resourcefulness in the application of scientific methodologies.
- Must be capable to thinking logically to analyze and interpret results.
Education and Experience:
- College/University Graduate in a Food science chemistry, biology, microbiology, or related field from an accredited educational institution.
- 0-2 years of experience.
- Ability to use MS Office.
- Ability to read, write, and clearly communicate English.
- Attention to detail is critical.
- Knowledge of SQF HAACP, and other quality systems preferred.
Work Environment:
- Normal laboratory and manufacturing conditions require safety gear and temperature conditions may vary from cool to vary warm. There can be exposure to potentially toxic substances and unpleasant fumes or odors.
- Works under regular office, laboratory and manufacturing conditions.
- Must wear PPE appropriate to lab (lab coat and protective eyewear with side shields), using particle masks or respirator as required.
Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods, LLC, is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability (mental or physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.