Quality Control Lab Technician

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

This position is responsible for conducting chemical and physical laboratory tests and analysis on products and raw materials, making judgments on quality, reporting results, and assisting with special projects in accordance with GMP and safe food/safe feed policies. Analysis includes chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of raw materials in process and final product in compliance with all ISO standards. This position supports product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives through accurate laboratory testing, documentation, and equipment maintenance.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:•    High School Diploma or Equivalent required•    2 years post-secondary education in Chemistry or Biology or other related Science or 1+ years relevant experience in a Laboratory environment required.•    Experience with analytical instrumentation and laboratory software systems required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:•    Ability to work in team environment •    Excellent oral, written and computer communication skills •    Computer knowledge (i.e., Microsoft Office) •    Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills •    Ability to use applicable software programs as related to laboratory instrumentation•    Must be willing to work overtime as needed •    Understanding of cGMP, GLP, FDA, and ICH regulatory requirements•    Ability to interpret specifications, procedures, and test methods•    Knowledge of analytical chemistry and laboratory techniques•    Critical thinking and the ability to concentrate/focus on tasks for extended periods of time •    Use of various lab equipment, such as HPLCs, Auto-titrators, Spectrophotometer, Dissolution instruments, FTIR, Polarimeter, pH instrument, ROTAP Sieve Shaker dependent on work location

WORKING CONDITIONS:Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical manufacturing environment working inside a lab. This position may perform activities in an environment that contains hazardous elements and requires safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support the compliance of applicable ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:•    Sitting or standing, repetitive use of hands and arms, and eye/hand coordination for 6+ hours a day. •    Walking required, usually < 1-2 hours a day. •    Lifting, up to 50 lbs., on occasion. •    Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing, or pulling. •    Ability to drive a car or truck.

•    Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures •    Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards •    Turn in any hazards as they are identified during work hours to get them corrected as soon as possible•    Know and understand all QA related issues including the QA policies and procedures that affect the role; know the location of and comply with all job instructions •    Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives •    Maintain a clean lab environment while operating lab equipment & perform necessary calibrations on lab equipment •    Assist the Quality Assurance team with other duties as needed •    Follow all applicable GMP, GLP, FDA, USP, EP, and company quality requirements•    Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety procedures•    Participate in internal audits, regulatory inspections, and laboratory assessments as required•    Support change controls, deviations, CAPAs, method validations, and method transfers•    Complete training for QMSRM items (if applicable)

Sample analysis and lab support •    Analyze raw materials, in-process samples, final product samples, and other samples to determine chemical and physical characteristics and evaluate for conformity. •    Prepare chemical solutions, reagents, media, samples, and standards for use in analyzing materials dependent upon work lab location •    Confirm incoming samples are properly labeled and that the correct tests have been requested •    Accurately record all test data and perform required calculations •    Maintain accurate written records; organize and maintain current database as well as hardcopy files of all analysis results when applicable in compliance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles•    Review test results and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy•    Ensure proper archival and retention of laboratory records•    Maintain confidentiality concerning all methods, analyses and results including notebooks, data graph, charts, and all hardcopies of pertinent material •    Follow procedures as written for each test performed and perform procedural changes in accordance with policies •    Investigate out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and atypical results as assigned•    Calibrate, operate, maintain, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment such as HPLC, GC, Spectrophotometer, Auto-titrators, dissolution instruments, pH meters, FTIR, Polarimeter, Sieve shakers, Humidity Chamber, etc.•    Assist in ordering lab supplies (as needed) •    Implement and organize files of all documents, samples, and other pertinent recordsContinuous Improvement & Collaboration •    Collaborate with other departments within the company to accomplish tasks/goals •    Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas •    Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies •    Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized following GMP guidelines•    Support laboratory investigations and special projects•    Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, compliance, and performance

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.