Lab Technician

LOCUS FERMENTATION SOLUTION

Title:

Lab Tech

Company:

Locus Fermentation Solutions

Status:

Full Time, Hourly

Reports To:

Lab Supervisor

Who WE are… Locus Fermentation Solutions is a USA-Based Biotech company delivering high performance, bio-based solutions across agriculture, energy, mining, and industrial markets. We specialize in advanced fermentation and formulation technologies that push performance beyond the limits of conventional chemistry.

OUR MISSION is to redefine what’s possible by using biosurfactants and microbial solutions as powerful performance amplifiers – driving superior solution performance while improving sustainability across industries.

We are looking for creative and collaborative outside-the-box thinkers who thrive in fast paced, entrepreneurial style environments. Learn more about us at Locusfs.com!

What you’ll be doing:

The Laboratory Technician performs daily laboratory testing and analytical activities in support of Locus manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with established specifications and quality requirements. The Laboratory Technician supports fermentation and downstream processing activities through microbiological testing, analytical analysis, media preparation, and timely communication of laboratory results to Production and Quality personnel.

This role is responsible for maintaining accurate laboratory records, ensuring equipment is properly maintained and calibrated, following established laboratory procedures, and supporting continuous improvement of testing methods and processes. The Laboratory Technician works closely with Production, Quality/Regulatory, R&D, and other cross-functional teams to support product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and consistent laboratory operations.

Location: Peoria, IL (onsite)

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Perform routine laboratory testing and analysis of raw materials, in-process samples, fermentation samples, and finished products in accordance with established specifications, test methods, and procedures.
• Collect, prepare, and analyze production samples to support manufacturing operations and meet established testing turnaround times.
• Conduct analytical testing using applicable laboratory instrumentation, including UV, NIR, HPLC, GC, Ion Chromatography, and other analytical equipment as required.
• Perform microbiological testing, including microbial culture development, culture maintenance, media preparation, and other testing associated with industrial fermentation processes.
• Conduct raw material sampling, testing, and documentation to support material qualification and approval.
• Perform finished product testing and communicate results to appropriate personnel to support product disposition and release activities.
• Identify, document, and promptly communicate suspect or out-of-specification results, ensuring affected materials or products are appropriately identified and segregated in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform allergen swabbing and equipment cleanliness verification as required.

Fermentation & Production Support

• Prepare laboratory media, solutions, reagents, and other materials required to support laboratory and production activities.
• Perform laboratory activities using aseptic techniques, including microbial inoculation, culture preparation, sterilization, and autoclave operation.
• Support fermentation and downstream manufacturing operations through routine sample collection, testing, and communication of analytical and microbiological results.
• Assist Production personnel with laboratory-related questions, testing procedures, and interpretation of results within established guidelines.
• Communicate testing progress, results, and potential quality concerns to Production and Quality personnel in a timely manner.
• Support troubleshooting and investigation of process or product quality concerns as assigned.

Equipment, Methods & Continuous Improvement

• Operate, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment to ensure proper functionality and reliable test results.
• Perform routine equipment checks and calibration activities in accordance with established schedules and procedures.
• Identify equipment issues and coordinate necessary repairs or service with the Laboratory Supervisor.
• Follow established analytical methods and assist with test method development, validation, and improvement activities as assigned.
• Identify testing inconsistencies, process variations, and opportunities to improve laboratory accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory SOPs, work instructions, and testing documentation.

Safety, Quality & Documentation

• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary laboratory workspaces in accordance with established safety and quality requirements.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling requirements, PPE standards, and applicable company policies.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records, including test results, sample identification, equipment logs, calibration records, and other required documentation.
• Follow applicable GMPs and company quality procedures to support consistent product quality and manufacturing compliance.
• Assist with maintaining documentation and records associated with HACCP/HARPC plans and other applicable food safety programs.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining accurate laboratory documentation and providing requested testing records.
• Assist with quality investigations, customer complaints, and corrective action activities by providing relevant testing results, retained samples, and production information.

Inventory & Cross-Functional Support

• Monitor laboratory supplies, chemicals, reagents, media components, and consumables to ensure adequate inventory levels.
• Communicate supply needs and inventory shortages to the Laboratory Supervisor and assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
• Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, R&D, and other departments to support manufacturing requirements, product improvement, and process development initiatives.
• Provide training and guidance to Production personnel on laboratory practices and procedures as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Associate's degree in Science or a related technical discipline preferred; equivalent laboratory experience may be considered. Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of two years of laboratory experience in a manufacturing, industrial microbiology, biotechnology, food science, or related environment preferred.
• Experience with laboratory analytical instrumentation, including UV, NIR, HPLC, GC, Ion Chromatography, or similar equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of industrial microbial cell culture, microbial nutritional requirements, and fermentation processes.
• Experience with media preparation, solution preparation, microbial culture development, and aseptic laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with raw material and finished product testing, including applicable FCC/USP/NF testing methods, preferred.
• Understanding of GMPs and applicable food safety programs, including SQF, FSMA, HACCP, and HARPC.
• Ability to follow established testing methods, accurately document results, and recognize and communicate deviations or unusual findings.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to laboratory accuracy and data integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to work independently, manage assigned responsibilities, and adapt to changing production priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new laboratory methods, equipment, and processes.

Physical Requirements:

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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, stoop, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements while conducting laboratory activities.
• Frequently handle laboratory samples, containers, equipment, and materials requiring fine motor skills and manual dexterity.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safely handle laboratory materials, chemicals, and biological cultures.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a combination of laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to laboratory chemicals, biological materials, microbial cultures, and manufacturing processes may occur.
• May be exposed to varying temperatures, humidity, noise levels, odors, and other conditions associated with industrial manufacturing operations.
• Must follow established safety procedures, laboratory protocols, and PPE requirements.
• Position requires flexibility to support manufacturing operations, including occasional off-shift, weekend, and extended hours as business needs require.
• Must maintain flexibility to support laboratory operations within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Off-shift and weekend availability required as necessary to support production demands, staffing coverage, and laboratory priorities.