Food Science Lab Tech - Fort Collins, Co

Food Science Lab Tech - Fort Collins, CO
This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
MAIN FUNCTION: This role involves assisting scientists in providing pet food and treats samples that align with customer requirements, contributing to the successful fulfillment of project objectives and client expectations. A key aspect of this position is the emphasis on creativity and maintaining an open mind, which are crucial for proposing innovative ideas and processes as deemed appropriate. The role actively engages in the scale-up process, encompassing product specifications and production requirements. It requires meticulous record-keeping of experiments, tests, and modifications conducted during the prototype development phase to ensure the consistency and success of scale-up procedures. The ability to utilize creativity in improving and streamlining these processes is highly valued. This position will be based in ADM's Ft. Collins, CO.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Batch, make minor base modifications, screen ingredients, and adjust formulations as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of all tests, and modifications made during the prototype development phase to ensure the scale-up process is consistent with the successful prototype.
• Prioritize laboratory projects based on importance, deadlines, and supervisor's instructions.
• Manage inventory of laboratory supplies, reagents, and materials, ensuring that stock levels are maintained, and orders are placed when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records/log of analytical requests and data.
• Ensure proper function of and perform routine/minor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Interpret subjective and analytical data
• Effectively communicate results through written technical documentation.
• Prepare and ship samples to external laboratories and clients when needed
• Communicate with Project Scientists and Sales through status updates, emails, and project notes.
• Proactively engage in cross-training and the acquisition of new skills.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Preferably a diploma in Animal Sciences, Food Sciences, or Zoology, or alternatively, an AS, BA, BS, or High School Diploma.
• Basic Mathematical Skills: Comfortable with basic calculations, ratio scaling, fraction proportioning, and percentage calculations. Skilled in graphing techniques and predictive modeling.
• Basic Scientific Skills: Familiar with common scientific terminology and basic concepts in chemistry and biology.
• Basic Food Science Skills: Knowledgeable in basic Food Science principles, including food chemistry, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and the principles of food processing.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in computer usage, internet access, and Microsoft Office Suite (WORD, EXCEL, Email). Ability to create, edit, and manipulate WORD and EXCEL files, and basic presentation development using PowerPoint or similar software.
• Analytical Skills: Comfortable with basic instrument calibration, usage, and reporting skills.
• Problem Solving Skills: Capable of problem/root cause identification, considering alternative solutions, and recommending and selecting a workable solution.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrates effective task management, prioritization of responsibilities, and maintenance of well-organized information and resources.
• Written Skills: Able to prepare basic business and Email correspondence with appropriate word selection and usage.
• Verbal Communication Skills: Clear verbal communicator to supervisors, managers, team members, and business contacts. Able to express ideas and needs clearly.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS AND COMPETENCY MODELS:

• Action Oriented: The individual demonstrates a predisposition to planning and quickly engaging in appropriate activities when given a goal or task.
• Applied Learning: Capable of learning and correctly applying new job-related information in a timely manner. Absorbs and comprehends job-related information from both formal training and informal learning experiences.
• Clear Communication: Effectively expresses messages to others clearly and unambiguously in both written and verbal formats, including public speaking. Skilled in presenting ideas and information confidently and persuasively to an audience.
• Dependable: Can be trusted to meet deadlines, adhere to quality parameters, and fulfill action standards as provided.
• Independent Working: Exhibits independent work habits with an internal drive to achieve assigned tasks.
• Initiative: Takes action proactively without being asked or required; goes beyond job requirements; being proactive; takes prompt action to accomplish objectives.
• Innovation: Utilizes creativity and imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies novel solutions to problems. Generates new and unique ideas.
• Planning and Organizing: Effectively organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; establishes necessary sequence of activities needed to achieve goals.
• Safety Awareness: Remains aware of conditions and circumstances that affect personal safety or the safety of the team.
• Team Player: Cooperates with others as a member of a group, balancing personal interests to achieve a common goal.
• Teamwork: Participates actively and contributes to team goals. Works cooperatively with team members, involves others, shares information as needed, and acknowledges team accomplishments.
• Time Management: Manages time commitments effectively to complete tasks correctly within stipulated timelines.
• Work Standards: Sets high standards and well-defined, realistic goals for oneself; displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments promptly; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve.

This position offers a complete benefit package, including 401K/ESOP, pension, health, life and dental insurance. 
ADM requires the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and a background check. 
REF:75755BR