R&D Lab Technician

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is a cross-functional member of the R&D Analytical and Microbiology teams and will work to support our New and Existing Product Development (NPD/EPD) pipeline for products in the drug (OTC, DIN, NHP), medical device, cosmetic, disinfectant (EPA, DIN) and general household products areas.

The primary function of this position is to perform non-GMP testing through media, buffer, & sample solution preparations, bioburden assays, culture preparation, plate counts, analytical testing such as pH, titrations, specific gravity and/or and spectroscopy. Additionally, this role will manage inventory, sterilize/dispose materials and maintain a clean and orderly laboratory. This individual will be responsible for upholding our quality, safety, and efficiency in the laboratory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT:

• Perform routine and non-routine USP, EPA, ASTM, and in-house microbiological testing for antiseptic and disinfectant efficacy (e.g., disinfectant towelette test, quantitative towelette test, time-kill assay, MIC/MBC, sterility testing, microbial limits, bioburden).
• Execute testing following standard operating procedures in a BioSafety Level-2 Laboratory.
• Performs routine and non-routine analytical testing, such as titration (auto and manual), spectroscopy (FTIR, NIR, UV/Vis), pH, specific gravity, and/or color/odor/appearance.
• Support other R&D projects in the Analytical and Microbiology labs as assigned.

LABORATORY SUPPORT:

• Prepares media, mobile phases, buffers, reagents, sample preparations, dilutions, cultures etc. as needed.
• Washes glassware, maintains supplies, and orders media, reagents, parts and services as needed for the laboratory.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment (pipettes, balances, pH meters).
• Performs data analysis and maintains a compliant laboratory notebook following good documentation practice (GDP) in an electronic notebook (ELN).

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• Willing to learn additional analytical/microbiology skills and take on more responsibility and functional activities.
• Able to work efficiently to meet timelines and balance priorities as directed by
• Communicate effectively with other team members within R&D.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Minimum High School diploma
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Science preferred (ideally in Chemistry or Microbiology).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

• Previous experience in a laboratory environment working with general lab equipment.
• Willing to learn EPA, FDA, ICH, etc. regulations related to their testing.
• Read and comprehend Company policies and procedures, including safety rules and regulations.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 0-3 years of experience in an R&D or QC lab, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Analytical and continuous improvement mindset
• Able to follow explicit directions, multitask, keep diligent records, and conduct work with the highest integrity.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal / written).
• Computer literate (MS Outlook/Teams/Word/Excel, Electronic Notebook, LIMS).

SALARY RANGE:

• $48k-$58k

BENEFITS

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

• Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
• Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short & long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.