Entry Level Lab Technician - Decatur, IL
The Entry Level Lab Technician performs chemical and microbiological analyses to ensure product quality, process performance, and food safety compliance in a high-volume process control laboratory. The role involves operating and maintaining laboratory instruments such as HPLC systems, documenting results, and supporting quality assurance and process improvement initiatives while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Level Lab Technician to perform chemical and microbiological testing and support daily operations of a high-volume process control laboratory. This role contributes to product quality, food safety, and process improvements by operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation and accurately documenting results.
- Analyze process, production, environmental, and finished product samples to measure product quality and process performance.
- Perform analytical testing using HPLC and other laboratory instrumentation according to established methods.
- Conduct routine microbiological testing and monitoring for quality assurance and food safety programs.
- Prepare samples, standards, reagents, and microbiological media per protocols.
- Enter analytical and microbiological data and document laboratory activities (food safety, product quality, housekeeping, hazardous waste).
- Perform routine calibration, verification, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on lab equipment.
- Review analytical data for completeness, accuracy, trends, and implications for product quality or food safety.
- Communicate lab results, quality concerns, and operational issues to operations and quality teams.
- Support inventory control, housekeeping, compliance, and cross-functional lab activities.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), laboratory procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Basic math, computer, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to follow written procedures and accurately document laboratory activities.
- Ability to work safely around chemicals, laboratory equipment, and manufacturing processes.
- Willingness to complete any required background checks and safety training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related scientific field.
- Laboratory coursework, technical certification, or continuing education in a science-related field.
- Previous lab experience in analytical chemistry, microbiology, manufacturing, food processing, or quality control.
- Experience with HPLC systems and other analytical instrumentation.
- Familiarity with process control lab environments and food safety programs.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Work is performed indoors in temperature- and humidity-controlled areas; may involve exposure to dust and hazardous chemicals.
- May lift, carry, and transport up to 50 pounds.
- Ascend/descend stepladders and position self to access samples and instruments.
- Open, prepare, analyze, and safely dispose of samples per lab procedures.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation depends on experience, location, and other individualized factors. (No specific guaranteed pay range was provided in the source posting.)
- Comprehensive benefits may include medical/Rx, dental, vision, wellness resources, 401(k) with match, paid time off and holidays, parental leave, tuition assistance, and company-sponsored training. Benefits may vary by location and bargaining status — confirm eligibility with your recruiter.
Additional Details
- This role is Full Time.
- Successful candidates may be required to complete a background check.
- Employment is at-will and subject to Confidential Client policies.
- Confidential Client is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Applicants who don’t meet every listed requirement are encouraged to apply.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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