Laboratory Technician (30 hours per week/part time)

somafina Nutraceutical Manufacturing

General Laboratory Technician Quality Unit

• Microbiology & Chemistry Laboratories

High School Diploma / GED Required; Science Degree Preferred Why Somafina? Somafina is an industry leader in contract manufacturing of dietary supplements. We pride ourselves on our superior commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards while fostering a company culture that is collaborative and supportive.

Position Description The General Laboratory Technician is a cross-functional member of the Quality Unit responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Microbiology Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory, and Quality functions. This position performs routine laboratory testing, sample preparation, laboratory support activities, documentation, and other Quality-related tasks as assigned.

The General Laboratory Technician will be cross-trained in multiple laboratory and Quality processes and may be assigned responsibilities based on laboratory workload, testing priorities, and business needs. The individual must be able to follow established procedures, maintain accurate and complete documentation, work safely with laboratory equipment, chemicals, and microbiological materials, and consistently comply with cGMP, laboratory, safety, and Quality System requirements.

The goal of this position is to provide flexible technical support across the Quality Unit while helping ensure laboratory testing and Quality activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and within required timelines.

Essential Responsibilities Sample Handling & Testing

• Receives, documents, labels, organizes, and prepares raw material, in-process, and finished product samples for laboratory testing.
• Assists with sample receipt, tracking, organization, and entry into applicable laboratory or Quality systems.
• Performs assigned laboratory testing in accordance with approved methods, specifications, SOPs, and established laboratory procedures.
• Performs routine sample preparation, weighing, dilution, solution preparation, media preparation, and other laboratory activities as trained and qualified.
• Follows appropriate aseptic techniques, contamination-control practices, and biohazard handling procedures.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately documents observations, calculations, test results, and other laboratory activities in applicable paper and electronic systems.
• Follows all applicable cGMP, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), laboratory safety, Quality System, and company requirements.
• Immediately communicates unexpected results, laboratory errors, equipment issues, deviations, or other concerns to laboratory management.

Laboratory & Quality Support

• Maintains laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents, media, standards, and other materials necessary to support daily laboratory operations.
• Assists with laboratory inventory and communicates supply needs to laboratory management.
• Maintains clean, organized, and inspection-ready laboratory work areas.
• Provides support to Quality functions as assigned based on departmental workload and priorities.
• Performs other Quality-related activities as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Cross-trains and demonstrates competency in assigned Chemistry, Microbiology, and Quality functions.
• Maintains required training and qualification for all assigned laboratory activities.
• Supports laboratory and Quality priorities as directed by Quality and laboratory management.
• Participates in laboratory improvement initiatives, investigations, method implementation, and special projects as assigned.
• Follows company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and departmental expectations.
• Maintains confidentiality of laboratory, product, customer, and company information.
• Demonstrates accountability for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of assigned work.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work environment.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Relevant laboratory, Quality, manufacturing, or dietary supplement industry experience may be considered in lieu of post-secondary education.

Competencies / Skill Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience preferred; experience in a dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, or other regulated laboratory environment is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory practices, laboratory safety, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Ability and willingness to work with both microbiological materials and laboratory chemicals.
• Ability to safely operate electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment following appropriate training.
• Ability to follow written laboratory methods, SOPs, specifications, and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and data integrity.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory calculations, including weights, volumes, dilutions, concentrations, and unit conversions.
• Ability to identify unexpected conditions or results and appropriately escalate concerns to laboratory or Quality management.
• Ability to work independently after training while also functioning effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment and adapt to changing departmental priorities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and ability to learn laboratory and Quality computer systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, reliability, and willingness to take responsibility for assigned work.
• English proficiency required.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, converse, and listen.
• Employee must be able to safely handle laboratory samples, chemicals, microbiological materials, glassware, and laboratory equipment.
• Employee must exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. frequently to move objects.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be exposed to laboratory chemicals, biological materials, odors, dust, noise, and other conditions normally associated with laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn as required.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Laboratory Director or designated Laboratory/Quality Manager.
• Works closely with: Microbiology and Chemistry Managers, Chemistry Laboratory personnel, and Quality personnel.

Character Requirements

• Friendly
• Approachable
• Proactive
• Honest
• Responsible
• Punctual
• Team worker