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• Performs chemical and physical analyses including but not limited to moisture, protein, phosphate, starch, salt, specific gravity, brix, sludge and NIR
• Performs tests on our wastewater streams and biobed including total suspended solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), sludge profile, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and alkalinity
• Performs yeast appearance and sensory testing including odor, color and texture analysis
• Performs microbiological testing including master aseptic plating and transfers, media preparation techniques and pathogen testing for Salmonella and Listeria
• Prepares various media and reagents
• Performs sampling in the plant of raw materials including process water, molasses, production line and receivers/fermenters, etc.
• Prepares and inoculates laboratory culture vessels required for the first factory fermentation stage
• Performs quality control checks on finished product. Prepares and sends samples to external laboratories
• Maintains, calibrates and/or verifies laboratory equipment. Troubleshoots and corrects equipment problems
• Participates in the various proficiency testing programs to ensure the reproducibility and accuracy of the data generated by the laboratory
• Properly documents and reports laboratory data
• Records data manually and/or electronically
• Communicates results to production departments and Laboratory Manager as needed.
• Interprets testing results and places nonconforming product on hold pending rework/disposition instructions by the QA/QC or Laboratory Manager
• Prepares Certificates of Analysis based on positive release program and releases product based on preestablished compliance criteria (where applicable)
• Applies statistical process control (SPC) tools to proactively detect and communicate data trends
• Contributes to maintaining and improving a clean and orderly laboratory environment
• Completes required general cleaning or housekeeping duties according to frequencies established
• Applies Good Laboratory Practices, ISO 17 025 principles, Lean Six Sigma Tools and Health and Safety practices in their day-to-day work
• Train fellow laboratory technicians and learn new techniques as needed
• Inventories and orders laboratory equipment and/or supplies as required

• Working knowledge in Good Laboratory Practices and aseptic sampling principles
• Experience with or an interest in the application of lean six sigma principles into a laboratory environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Prior experience with a LEMS is a plus
• Accuracy and attention to detail; logical and methodical approach to problem solving
• Prior experience and/or an understanding of the ISO 17 025 standard, Good Manufacturing
• Practices and/or HACCP principles is a plus
• An understanding of statistical process control (SPC) tools and experience with an SPC charting software such as Minitab is a plus

Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact .

Vaco also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco's HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.