Operations Supervisor

Position is responsible for overseeing the activities of department personnel conducting research studies and routine analysis of samples. Specific duties include:

Oversee research studies and laboratory activities of the department to ensure operations are performed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures:

* Review, calculate, and record analysis data from research studies to produce a report for the client and correct any discrepancies that occur.

* Assist departmental personnel with analysis tasks, as needed, to ensure timely results.

* Document and arrange work schedules for department so analysis of samples is accurately completed to maintain effective and efficient operations.

* Communicate any emerging client requirements on projects to laboratory personnel, as needed.

* Communicate with client service personnel or the client, as required, on procedural and operational difficulties and delays on research studies and projects.

* Oversee recruitment and retention for the department.

Educate and train departmental personnel on correct laboratory procedures and new analysis methods:

* Evaluate current analysis methods and recommend modifications as new procedures become available.

* Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities.

* Ensure that employees obtain knowledge of LIMS sufficient to perform job responsibilities by instituting and maintaining systems to monitor and verify related LIMS training.

* Maintain expertise in the field of food science by attending relevant seminars and using available reading material.

Maintain the quality of research studies by supporting the improvement and maintenance of the laboratory's quality control:

* Initiate action to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or laboratory test procedures.

* Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process.

* Address resource needs and issues such as client turn-around time requirements, overtime limits, employee turnover, and work stoppage.

* Maintain supplies, instrumentation, and materials for use by operating departments.

* In conjunction with the Operations Manager or Lab Director, cease specific analyses within the department when evidence from the quality system indicates the process is not in control and the quality of the results is compromised as a result of the non-conformances.

Position requires domestic travel up to 10% of the time to visit other company labs.

Requirements

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or closely related field (or foreign degree equivalent); and 1 year of relevant experience. Employer will accept any suitable combination of full and part-time equivalent employment experience, including paid and unpaid prior research experience. Must have one (1) year of experience in each of the following:

* Experience in microbial and molecular techniques such as PCR, microbial culturing (aerobic/anaerobic), aseptic technique and/or microorganism preservation;

* Experience with laboratory operations, creating schedules, and systems management;

* Experience educating and training personnel on correct procedures and analysis methods; and

* Experience in maintaining supplies and instrumentation for the laboratory.