At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire a Laboratory Technician based in Bridgeton, NJ. 

In this role you will be responsible for the following key responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Work safely, as well as report and assist in mitigating all safety concerns
• Comprehend and support plant/corporate protocols and programs, as well as facility systems, including informational/operational/management systems such as Sample6, IQS/Sigma, and Ignition.
• Communicate effectively with other departments, management, and employees including notifying appropriate teams when problems and/or concerns arise
• Work independently or within a team, with and without supervision
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task to ensure that all job functions are completed accurately in a timely manner
• Facilitate, attend and participate in team meetings and programs
• Perform analytical, chemical, microbiological, and allergenic analysis both routine and episodic
• Provide oversight for facility systems and actively participate and support the development, implementation, day to day operation, and maintenance of checks and balance programs such as coding checks, OQI (operator quality inspection) review, batch ownership including batch correction, and filler inspections.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format and completed with all required information
• Anticipate problems/conflicts, problem-solve, and react
• React to data, perform out-of-specification mitigation
• Properly manage product inventory utilizing programs such as SAP and SharePoint
• Monitor, operate, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instruments and equipment without assistance
• Participate in laboratory Specialist Program
• Attend and practice all required training
• Utilize root cause analysis thought process, maintain a proactive approach, and support sustainable solutions
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, actively participate in identifying and correcting opportunities to improve processes including participation in the creation and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions, the creation and maintenance of preventative maintenance standards, the writing of One Point Lessons, and participation in continuous improvement methodology events
• Follow QMS, Good Manufacturing Practices and 5S methodology to maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area, maintaining audit ready status at all times
• Actively participate in Pillar activities (i.e. Quality, Focused Improvement, Safety, etc.) including but not limited to observations, inspections, and recommendations.
• Supports plant production needs and priorities to achieve plant goals
• Assist, train, and coach employees.
• Comply with all regulations, policies and procedures
• All other duties/tasks as assigned

The qualifications for this role include:

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong teamwork skills
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to manage high pressure situations calmly
• Ability to learn all functions of job within a reasonable amount of time
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Proven decision making ability
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Proficiency in basic laboratory equipment (i.e. pipets, pH meters, balances)
• Ability to perform troubleshooting tasks
• Proficiency in MS Office and basic PC skills
• Ability to work various hours and shifts
• Able to work overtime when required

1. Education and Experience

• Associate or Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Bio-Technology, Food Science, or comparable program; two or more years’ related Quality Assurance experience; or any combination of education, experience, and training that will enable the candidate to perform this job
• Achieve and maintain required certifications and training

Materials and Equipment Directly Used:

• Various Laboratory instruments and equipment to include manual and electronic devices; subject to change with business.
• Office machinery including: computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
• Software including: Microsoft Office including Outlook
• Industrial power equipment (Electric carts, forklift, scissor, pallet jack, etc.)

Preferred Candidate Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

1. Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate or Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Bio-Technology, Food Science, or comparable program; two or more years’ related Quality Assurance experience
• Achieve and maintain required certifications and training

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and regulations. Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from other work groups in a professional manner.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical analysis. Ability to apply concepts such as fraction, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work with abstract and concrete variables.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of word processing and spread sheet programs.
• Knowledgeable or ability to learn laboratory equipment commonly used in the dairy industry (examples, but not limited to pH meters, FT120, CEM, antibiotic testing, allergen testing, package integrity, viscometers, etc.)
• Understanding of calibration programs of dairy testing equipment.

At Danone North America, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America doesn’t just welcome what makes you unique, we value it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf