Laboratory Assistant jobs in Nova Scotia

About Acadian Seaplants Limited

Do you want to work for a company with engaged and passionate employees who lean every day? Now, imagine working for a company where you can positively impact the health and growth of all living things while protecting the environment. That’s what the employees of Acadian Seaplants are proud to do every day. For more than 20 consecutive years, Acadian Seaplants Limited has secured the designation as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies!

Acadian Seaplants Limited (‘ASL’) is a fully integrated bio-tech manufacturer of premium seaweed products for plants, animals, and people. For over 40 years, we have demonstrated our commitment to science, sustainability, community and high-quality results for customers through our practices and approach to harvesting, managing, and cultivating marine resources. Our eco-friendly and eco-efficient products are exported to over 80 countries around the world, delivering excellence in every product. For more information, visit www.acadianseaplants.com.

Acadian Seaplants employs 470+ people in 20+ countries and manages five processing facilities in Atlantic Canada, Ireland and Scotland. Sustainably harvested wild and custom cultivated seaweeds are processed into technical products for global horticultural/agricultural, animal feed, health & beauty and food service industries.

Our innovative culture begins with our people who play a key role in delivering our core values of Safety, Teamwork and Value Creation! At ASL, compensation is more than just about salary. It includes benefits, performance, and recognition, as well as career opportunities and professional development. We promote a culture where people feel engaged!

RELATIONSHIPS

The Quality Assurance Coordinator (micro) reports to the Site Microbiologist.

The position works indirectly with the Plant Manager, Supervisors, Manufacturing personnel, Sales, Technical staff, and other operations personnel to provide timely indication of and control of process and product quality.

DUTIES

Micro Lab

• Proficient in aseptic techniques and practice GLP - good laboratory practices in all aspects of total lab management.
• Sample and conduct routine microbiological analysis of raw material, liquid, and dry products.
• Prepare & dispense solutions & chemical materials used, which may include reagents, chemicals, acids, bases, buffers, disinfectants, stains & unknowns.
• Operate lab equipment: autoclave, analytical balance, incubator, centrifugate, pH meter, micropipettes, and microscopes.
• Maintain scientific equipment & instruments.
• Properly store samples & pending tests with specific growth requirements.
• Clean-up and sanitize after each lab session by washing, and if necessary, sterilizing tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain accurate records and report results of microbiological analysis in a timely manner in accordance with company standards.
• Manage data for results and product release in SAP.
• Identify and report results that may require further investigation and application of corrective measures.
• Evaluate the site sanitation practices and maintain an environmental monitoring program at the Cornwallis manufacturing facility.
• Conduct directed product investigations (micro complaint or process-related).
• Respond quickly and efficiently to all operational requests.

Chemistry lab back-up/ Audits/Inspections

• Conduct chemical analysis as and when required. Training will be completed.
• Support site ISO 9001 program - documentation and process flow reviews.
• Conducting procedural / process/ GMP / Sanitation audits of specified production areas and execute corrective and preventative action plans.
• Directing, assisting and/or completing investigation of production test equipment not reading properly.
• Drive the company’s core values of safety, teamwork and value creation by displaying appropriate behaviours.

REQUIREMENTS

• BSc. Degree or community college diploma in Microbiology, scientific discipline, equivalent level of 1-2 years working experience in manufacturing environment.
• Working experience from fertilizer and/or plant bio-stimulant industry would be a strong asset.
• Knowledge of GLP, 5-S, ISO 9001, Organic standard and ISO-17025 lab management would be an asset.
• Ability to think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, problem solve and make decisions.
• An essential requirement is attention to detail in all aspects of this position.
• Proved track record as an effective team member in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Competency in MS Excel and data analysis, Word and Power- Point. Effective presentation skills.
• Quality Assurance background with ISO-9001, HACCP understanding with internal auditing skills would be an asset.
• Knowledge of using SAP would be an added asset.
• Self motivated on the job.

If this job sounds like it was made for you, we’d like to meet you. To further explore this opportunity, just submit your resume.

For additional information about an Atlantic Canadian company that has built a worldwide business in highly specialized and innovative sectors, please visit our new website at www.acadianseaplants.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision care

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• GLP, 5-S, ISO 9001: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person