Laboratory Technician
Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people all across the globe.
We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.
The Laboratory/Sample Technician is involved with the successful daily operation of the plant. This ensures the superior quality of our product and a safety-first work environment. This requires collaboration and communication with plant managers, operators, supervisors, and laboratory/quality technicians. Work is documented thru electronic and handwritten entries onto sheets and books specified for each task. Quality employees shall set an example, by demonstrating a commitment to quality, and customer needs at all times.
Safety & Environmental Performance
To set an example, by demonstrating safety at all times.
Encourage all employees and contractors to adhere to the safety-first motto.
Identify high-risk safety/ productivity issues and help remedy them.
Adhere to GMPs and work procedures to assure superior product quality and consistency to our customers.
Conduct safety inspections periodically.
Work Requirements
Must be flexible enough to periodically work 12 hour shifts and nights, potentially for extended time periods
Ensure sampling, packaging, and shipment of PRMS (customer sample requests) are conducted in a timely manner.
Cross train in Laboratory Technician roles and responsibilities
Cross train in Quality Technicians roles and responsibilities
Ensure laboratory/quality materials are continuously stocked and available, conducting logistical exercises in order to maintain the effective operations of the department
Collect, document, and maintain records of material/product shipped to 3rd party laboratories for external testing purposes
Sampling of products for Retain, Additive, and Pre-Pack purposes
Understand and implement/enforce Company HACCP and Food Safety practices
Understand and enforce Allergen and other FMC control
Perform Daily, Weekly, Monthly and specially scheduled maintenance/validation on laboratory equipment
Conduct Product Specification and Equipment checks
Schedule and work closely with vendors and outside contractors for equipment scheduled maintenance checks/repair and new equipment installs
Be responsible for method development and changes with lab equipment
Assist management and supervisory personnel in the enforcement of GMP’s and PPE
Be able to conduct minor repairs and maintenance on all lab equipment
Be able to implement and maintain 5S policies and ideas in the lab/quality departments
Be flexible enough to participate in audits (ISO 9001, BRC, customer audits) if necessary
Train new employees in all aspects of the job
Assist production and CI (Customer Innovation) in troubleshooting quality issues
Cost Control
Be conscious of reusing items that can be reused and try to minimize waste while maintaining a safe and clutter free environment.
Reduce the amount of disposable supplies through re-use whenever possible.
The job is performed in a food-grade manufacturing facility, in which some areas are environmentally susceptible to seasonal temperatures. Protective safety equipment is required including appropriate clothing, shoes, gloves, safety glasses as needed. Activities include extended periods of standing, some minor work with various chemicals, and computer work.
Preferred applicants will possess a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biology or related field and 1-3 years laboratory experience, ability to communicate well with others, computer skills, and Math and computation ability.
Ability to communicate and the use of telephone and computer are essential.
Must be able to multi-task.
Must have strong time management skills and have the ability to sometimes work with little or no supervision.
Knowledge of various weights and measures important.
Standing for long periods and climbing steep flights of steps is common.
Ability to work efficiently and quickly is a must.
Knowledge of computer necessary, including Excel and Lotus Notes.
Good Math ability is also required for calculations and reports.
Periodically be able to lift in excess of 50 pounds.
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.
