Microbiology Laboratory Technician
2 days ago
Lawrenceville
Job Description We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our team at Valentine Enterprises, Inc! Summary/Objective: The Laboratory Technician performs rapid microbiological testing using Neogen Soleris instrumentation and provides wet chemistry support for a dual dietary supplement and food manufacturing facility operating under 21 CFR Part 111 and Part 117. This role ensures timely, accurate testing results while maintaining GMP compliance and supporting laboratory operations under the direction of Analytical Laboratory Manager. This position requires onsite work Monday-Friday with potential weekend support as needed. Responsibilities: Rapid Microbiology Testing & Analytical Responsibilities • Perform rapid microbiological testing using Neogen Soleris system for:, • Total Plate Count (TPC), • Yeast & Mold Count, • Coliforms, E. coli, • Enterobacteriaceae Conduct rapid pathogen screening and confirmation workflows: • Salmonella spp. (Soleris NF- validated protocols), • Listeria spp. (including L. monocytogenes where applicable), • Staphylococcus aureus, • Execute daily calibration, verification, and maintenance of Soleris instrumentation, • Prepare samples for rapid microbiological analysis following established procedures, • Document all testing activities following ALCOA+ principles and GMP requirements, • Maintain Soleris equipment logs, calibration records, and maintenance documentation, • Support method verification activities for rapid microbiological methods Wet Chemistry Support • Perform basic wet chemistry analyses including:, • pH testing, • Moisture content (loss on drying), • Density/specific gravity measurements, • Basic titrations (acid value, peroxide value), • Water activity testing, • Prepare reagents, standard solutions, and chemical media as required, • Maintain chemistry laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration status, • Follow all safety protocols for chemical handling and disposal per SDS requirements Laboratory Operations & Compliance • Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization per GMP standards, • Support sample receipt, login, and chain of custody procedures, • Assist with laboratory supply inventory and consumable management, • Participate in laboratory investigations for out-of-specification (OOS) results, • Support internal and external audit activities as assigned Ensure full compliance with: • 21 CFR Part 111 (Dietary Supplements GMP), • 21 CFR Part 117 (Preventive Controls for Human Food), • NSF/ANSI 173 standards, • SQF Food Safety Code requirements Documentation & Data Integrity • Maintain meticulous GMP documentation and technical accuracy, • Ensure data integrity following ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available), • Complete laboratory notebooks, worksheets, and data entries accurately and timely, • Support preparation of laboratory reports and summaries as requested Training & Development • Complete required training on SOPs, test methods, and safety procedures, • Participate in continuing education opportunities for rapid microbiology methods, • Provide training support to new laboratory personnel as experience develops, • Maintain current knowledge of laboratory techniques and industry best practices Other Duties: • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job., • Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Required Education, Skills and Experience: • Associate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related scientific field, • 0-2 years of laboratory experience in food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or related regulated industries, • Basic understanding of aseptic technique and microbiological principles, • Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and instrumentation, • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, • Excellent organizational and time management abilities, • Effective written and verbal communication skills, • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, • Understanding of GMP principles and laboratory safety practices Preferred Education, Skills, and Experience: • Experience with microbiological methods, • Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 111 and 117 regulations, • Previous experience in dietary supplements or food testing laboratory, • Bachelor’s degree in biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related scientific field Physical Demands: • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job., • Employee will frequently use both hands for pipetting and sample manipulation. Employee will occasionally lift approximately 20 pounds, use fingers for grasping, sit for extended periods, use well-developed coordination simultaneously, read with attention to detail, see activities near and far, distinguish basic colors, and use routine hearing ability. Environmental Factors: • The environmental factors described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job., • Employee will work alone and with others in laboratory environment. Employee will continuously work with chemical reagents and biological samples. May be exposed to cleaning chemicals and laboratory solvents. Work Environment: • This job operates in a laboratory and office environment., • This role routinely uses laboratory equipment including Neogen Soleris instruments, balances, pH meters, pipettes, water activity meter, and standard office equipment such as computers, calculators, phones, and laboratory information management systems. Travel: Minimal travel required for training purposes only. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Valentine Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Company DescriptionValentine Enterprises, Inc. (VEI) is a trusted manufacturer of high‐quality nutritional and food products, serving customers nationwide from our facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia. With decades of experience, VEI operates in a GMP‐regulated environment focused on product safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Our teams support a wide range of production processes including blending, pre‐weigh, filling, and packaging, as well as facility operations such as HVAC and utility systems. VEI is a company built on reliability, quality, and a strong commitment to our employees and community.Valentine Enterprises, Inc. (VEI) is a trusted manufacturer of high‐quality nutritional and food products, serving customers nationwide from our facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia. With decades of experience, VEI operates in a GMP‐regulated environment focused on product safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Our teams support a wide range of production processes including blending, pre‐weigh, filling, and packaging, as well as facility operations such as HVAC and utility systems. VEI is a company built on reliability, quality, and a strong commitment to our employees and community.