At Tate & Lyle, our purpose is simple: Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food. With more than 165 years of ingredient innovation, we partner with leading food and beverage brands to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products enjoyed by millions of people every day. Combining expertise in sweetening, mouthfeel and fortification, we help customers win on taste, nutrition and performance while making a positive impact on society and the planet. With approximately 5,000 colleagues across 75 locations in 38 countries, we're united by a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and growth. Read on to learn how this opportunity can contribute to our purpose while helping shape the future of food.

Job Title: CQC Sr. Lab Technician - Microbiology  

Location: Hoffman Estates, IL

Work Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Tuesday-Saturday

Some flex in the start and end times may be allowed; weekend work and overtime as required.

Responsibilities/Job Description:

This position reports to the Microbiology Laboratory Manager. The scope of this job includes microbiological analysis of processes and finished product samples, as well as environmental samples.  This job may also include supporting other Quality labs as needed.  Equipment utilized includes, but is not limited to: Biomerieux VIDAS, VITEK, autoclave, pH meter, microscope, and vacuum filtration systems.  The data generated is used to support the manufacturing processes and for quality control of finished products. Data entry may be made into LIMS, SAP, MDE, and electronic Logbook.  Data sharing is also conducted by hard copy, phone, or Excel spreadsheets.  This position requires flexibility to cover vacations and other absences.   

• Comply with all EHSQS (Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality) policies, procedures, and regulations relevant to the Site.
• Learn, understand, and participate in the established Quality System to maintain ISO 17025 standards in the microbiology laboratory.
• Prepare a variety of media and reagents to be used in both microbiological analyses.
• Perform quality control evaluations of the media & reagents received and prepared in-house.   
• Prepare test samples utilizing microbiological techniques according to established procedures, sample check-in/logging, compositing, test set-up, test transfers, and result analysis/reporting.  
• Daily, check and record temperature of all refrigerators, freezers, and water baths in the Microbiology department.
• Daily, verify and record calibration of the top load balance used to weigh samples.
• Post information in LIMS, SAP, MDE, Electronic Logbook, and Excel spreadsheets
• Verify and review data entries and maintain data & sample retention 
• Maintain/verify calibration of laboratory equipment and report deficiencies/malfunctions to the Quality Manager. 
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked lab.
• Write and/or update Test Methods and/or SOP, as requested.
• Identify, record, and help correct nonconformities and potential nonconformities, as applicable. 
• Participate in on-going and annual training, test method/SOP reviews, and proficiency testing as requested by Quality Manager. 

Qualifications:

Four-year college degree with technical training in microbiology, biological, physical, or engineering sciences or associate degree (or equivalent) with 2-3 years proven experience. Additionally preferred qualifications include:   

• Proven technical skills including experience with microbiology laboratory work
• Experience with laboratory methodology and equipment
  • Familiarity with aseptic techniques/equipment is a plus
• Ability and willingness to follow established Quality Manual, Test Methods, and SOPs
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with attention to detail, quality, and accuracy
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and adapt to changing procedures
• Good troubleshooting skills, ability to work well with others, excellent communication and computer skills, a customer focus with understanding of customer needs, and able to lift 50 lbs.

Tate & Lyle complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency.

When determining final compensation, we take into consideration: skillset, job scope, knowledge, prior experience, cost of living, market data, budget availability, and other factors as permitted by law.

The salary range for this position is:   $47,000 - $65,000.

In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverages
• Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• 401K with company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Additional benefits at not cost to employee such as:  Lifestyle Spending Account, Identity Theft protection, Employee Assistance Program, telemedicine and more!

In addition to your Total Rewards, culture and ED&I are very important to Tate & Lyle.  We offer multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support various communities.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.

Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.