Sr Lab Technician

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:  

Perform laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for such purposes as quality control, process control, or product development by performing the following duties. Lead special projects assigned the lab and direct their completion. Maintain good working relationship and environment for all employees. Assist the supervisor in situations and duties when he/she is not available.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a skilled specialist, completes complex tasks in resourceful and effective ways, which include, but are not limited to set up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as microscopes, agitators, viscometer, chemical balance scales, spectrophotometer and other equipment.
• Test samples of manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications.
• Write test reports describing procedures used. Prepare graphs and charts.
• Clean laboratory equipment. Calibrate laboratory instruments.
• Perform analysis to determine rectification quality and acceptability.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Test raw materials for conformance and stability. Uses these tests to aid in process decisions.
• Oversee various methods of sample preparations, including potting and cutting of fiber bundles. This includes operation of heavy and hazardous equipment.
• Add chemicals or raw materials to process solutions or product batches to correct or establish formulation required to meet specifications.
• Work with other departments to ensure continuous improvement on product.
• Troubleshoot all aspects of product quality and collect vital information for management decisions to maintain operation of fiber lines.
• Observe and report to lab supervisor on individual technicians and shift work.
• Perform internal audits and inspections within the department and on production lines.
• Schedule and follow up on testing and ensure smooth operation of the laboratory.
• Provide an example of behavior and ethics to other technicians and ensure all plant SOP's.
• Policies and standards including, cGMP, ISO, and safety standard are followed.
• Act as lab supervisor designate for data review and disposition in the absence of lab supervisor.
• Act as lab representative with other departments as required.
• Responsible for the quality and completeness of the total work product for his/her assigned shift.
• Responsible for the preliminary review and disposition of all data produced on assigned shift.
• Assist in updating and developing Standard Operating Procedures and Test Methods on current and new procedures. Ability to write reports such as Deviation Notices, Non Conformance Reports, Quality Feedback Notices, etc.
• Oversee and perform validations on lab instrumentation, complete and submit all necessary reports for such validations to assist or in the absence of the lab Supervisor.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot and perform manual interface with the precip systems. Must be able to make quality decisions quickly and accurately when issues involving precip system arise.
• Make decisions based upon testing results to adjust parameters of operation and maintain product conformity and specifications. Operate as a lead technician providing testing support and guidance to other technicians.
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Understands implications of work and makes recommendations for solutions.
• Acts as a subject matter expert
• Provide technical direction and assist supervisor. Responsibilities include training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work; resolving problems and interfacing between employees and supervisor.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments.
• May act as an informal team leader and provides assistance to less senior staff with support tasks that require considerable judgment and initiative.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• May escalate difficult/complex issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Maintain general housekeeping of working area and plant.
• Follow all Fresenius Policies.
• Regular attendance and maintaining a good attendance record is an essential function of the job.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations.  See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk throughout a 12 hour shift, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and wear personal protective equipment that may include safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, gloves, etc. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 10 to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma required; Associate's Degree desirable; and Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• 4 - 6 years' related experience.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to react quickly and decisively when production quality falters. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to understand and manipulate a complex and dynamic process.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software; Manufacturing software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain analytical equipment.
• Must be able to meet Fresenius' minimum vision requirements for product inspection.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.