QA Lab Technician & Formulation Assistant

Job Overview:

The QA Lab Specialist & Formulation Assistant will play a critical role in supporting the quality assurance processes by conducting laboratory tests and ensuring compliance with product specifications and regulatory standards. In addition, this role will assist the R&D team with formulation development and testing for plant nutrient and grow media products. This position requires a hands-on approach in both quality control and R&D functions, working in a lab setting.  Interviews will be held beginning in November.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance (QA) Lab Technician:

Conduct routine testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, ensuring they meet required quality standards.

Perform physical, chemical, and microbiological tests, such as pH, nutrient content, viscosity, moisture content, etc.

Prepare and maintain accurate records of laboratory results, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.

Support the investigation of quality issues, non-conformances, and customer complaints by conducting additional testing and assisting with root cause analysis (RCA).

Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab operations and QA processes.

Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment regularly to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

Conduct stability and shelf-life testing on products to monitor quality over time.

Assist with quality inspections during production runs and report any deviations from the set quality parameters.

Collaborate with the production team to ensure products meet all quality requirements before final release.

Ensure proper labeling, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.

Formulation Assistant:

Assist the R&D team in the preparation, testing, and refinement of plant nutrient formulations, including liquid and dry products.

Perform small-scale mixing, blending, and batch preparations under the direction of the Formulation Chemist.

Conduct initial lab trials to test new formulations, recording observations, and documenting results.

Collect and analyze data from tests to assist in optimizing formulations for performance, stability, and regulatory compliance.

Assist with scaling up lab formulations for pilot and full-scale production, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the process.

Work on cross-functional projects, including assisting with new product development and improvement of existing formulations.

Maintain proper documentation of all formulation work, including batch sheets, testing protocols, and formulation adjustments.

Support inventory management of laboratory raw materials and supplies.

Qualifications:

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field preferred.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a lab setting.

Skills:

Strong knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices.

Experience with lab equipment such as pH meters, conductivity meters, titration equipment, moisture analyzers, and spectrometers, HPLC.

Basic understanding of plant nutrient formulations and raw materials.

Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Ability to work both independently and in a team setting.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Knowledge of safety protocols for handling chemicals and hazardous materials.

Able to stand, reach, bend, crouch, duck and lift up to 60 lbs as necessary.

Travel required 10-20%.

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