Laboratory Technician

Job Description:

• Hours: Standard 40 hour work week. Start time 8 am for 8 hour work day. Flexibility to work some evenings/overnights support maybe required due to projects.

• Providing support to research scientists in the completion of research projects or activities.

• Conducting piloting trials in a food grade laboratory, routine analysis, reporting and communicating results.

• Maintaining pilot plant equipment and ensuring EHS and Food safety compliance.

• Supports a core technology component area for the Starches and Sweeteners business as well as customers.

• Supports the research group in a given implementation of business defined technology needs.

• Serves as a piloting team resource in one or more broad core technology components:

  • Core Technologies (e.g. separations, fermentation, product safety, milling and grinding)

  • Enabling sciences (e.g. process modeling, toxicology, advanced analytics, sensory, nutrition, sensory, chemistry)

  • Ingredients/Product Lines (e.g. Sweeteners, Dextrose, Fat/Oils)

  • Food Applications (e.g. dairy, convenience, beverages)

  • Feed Applications (e.g. ruminants, pork, poultry, equine)

• 20% - Provide support to research scientists in the completion of research projects or activities

• 55% - Conduct pilot Fermentation trials, routine experiments, microbiological plating, organizing and communicating results; may provide routine analysis as needed

• 10% - Maintain pilot/laboratory equipment

• 10% - Ensure corporate EHS and Food Safety compliance

Qualifications:

• Associates Degree with interest in Engineering, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science or related Science field

• Excellent verbal and written communication, teamwork, collaboration, and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety in the job environment

• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment

• Ability to execute designed experiments as well as troubleshoot and make corrections during experimentation

• Microsoft Office suite

• Comfort working with digital systems, documentation, and record-keeping

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science or related Science field

• Experience conducting fermentations and overarching knowledge of fermentation biology

• 6 months to 3 yrs. experience in a food grade pilot plant environment

• Hands-on experience in microbiology sampling, sterile technique and/or fermentation principles and operation.

• Experience with downstream purification technologies, such as chromatography, separations (e.g., centrifugation, filtration, membrane separation), crystallization and evaporation

• Learn and maintain electronic records, follow standardized processes, and support operational documentation needs.

• Previous laboratory or technical documentation experience is beneficial

• Target execution-driven, dependable, and detail-oriented individuals who can follow procedures, learn quickly, solve day-to-day operational challenges, and contribute to a productive and organized work environment. Certifications are not required; demonstrated reliability, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are most important.

• Strong backgrounds may include manufacturing, production, warehousing, maintenance, logistics, food processing, healthcare operations, laboratory support, technical services, or other operational settings that require attention to detail, accountability, and a strong work ethic.

• Direct food lab or pilot plant experience a plus

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities