Lab Analytical Assistant

Job Title: Lab Analytical Assistant
Location: Muscatine, IA 52761
Duration: 6 Months
Job Type: Contract
Work Type: Onsite

Night shift Start 10:00PM - End 6:00AM
Description:
*Performs routine testing on all samples in the Analytical Services laboratory, providing analytical data for process control, quality control, process development, product development, and waste management.
* The laboratory operates 24 x 7.
* The shift and days off for the applicant have not been determined.
* All applicants for this position should be open to working any of the three lab shifts and any days of the week including overnights and weekends.
* Performs routine analytical testing on teams that work a variety of shifts that include working weekends and holidays.
* Requests additional work to increase team productivity.
* Prepares and analyzes numerous types of samples by a variety of physical and chemical analytical techniques using sophisticated analytical equipment.
* The instrumentation includes pH meters, densitometers, dissolved oxygen meters, conductivity meters, calorimeters, viscometers, rheometers, spectrophotometers, auto-titrators, ion chromatographs (IC), inductively coupled plasma spectrometers (ICP), laser particle size analyzers, gas
chromatographs (GC), High Pressure Liquid Chromatographs (HPLC), titrators, densitometers, auto-claves, pipettors, platers, incubators, and ovens.
* Performs various microbiological tests including tests to determine spore counts and microbiological contamination. Understands and operates STARLiMS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Waters Empower laboratory data acquisition system, and other instrument-specific computer systems.
* Searches various databases for test methods, specifications, and standards to locate information required to complete analyses.
* Promptly and accurately records, calculates and reports analytical results.
* Maintains appropriate records to meet internal requirements as well as, ISO 9001, 14001, and 18001.
* Completes various daily instrument calibrations and inspections.
* Observes good safety and housekeeping practices. May serve as Safety Officer for the shift.
* Maintains laboratory supplies, prepares solutions, cleans glassware, disposes of solid/liquid waste and other duties to help in the overall operations of the laboratory.
*Trains others on waste management. Follow oral and written instructions.
* Reviews analytical data and various LIMS reports.
* Communicates and discusses any issues with other team members and supervision.
* Participates on continuous improvement sub-teams.
* Knowledgeable of RCRA hazardous waste regulations, waste determinations, waste codes, and how to immediately communicate discovery of spills and leaks.
* Also must know labeling, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements to accumulate waste in: satellite accumulation areas, less than 90-day containers, and less than 90-day tanks.
* Initial RCRA hazardous waste training shall be completed within 6 months of starting job, and refresher training shall occur annually thereafter.
* This experience should include doing chemical analyses. Good oral and written communication skills.
* High attention to details and an ability to analyze outcomes against a standard.
* Ability to diagnose the typical instrument problems with little or no assistance and provide assistance to others.
* Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload to optimize efficiency and productivity of the laboratory.
Preferences:
* Understands basic HPLC and GC operation.
* 4-6 Years of Experience