Lead Lab Technician

Our client is a leading provider of high-quality food and agricultural products with a strong focus on innovation, safety, and quality assurance. At this Hampton, IA facility, the laboratory plays a critical role in ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.

The Lead Lab Technician is responsible for providing advanced laboratory services with minimal supervision while also offering supervisory leadership to the 2nd shift team. This position requires both strong technical proficiency in analytical instrumentation (including HPLC and GC) and the leadership capabilities to guide, train, and support lab technicians at entry and mid-levels. The role is essential in troubleshooting instrument issues, ensuring accurate and reliable testing, and maintaining compliance with company quality and safety standards.

What YOU get to DO at this growing company:

• Provide advanced technical expertise in laboratory testing, ensuring accuracy and consistency of results.
• Serve as the primary troubleshooting resource for laboratory instruments (HPLC, GC, and other equipment).
• Lead and train entry-level and mid-level lab technicians in sample preparation, equipment maintenance, and laboratory procedures.
• Oversee decontamination, cleanouts, and flushing processes to ensure proper system reliability and compliance.
• Anticipate and resolve complex laboratory issues, providing timely solutions with minimal disruption.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for hazardous waste handling (RCRA) and safe laboratory practices.
• Support end-to-end laboratory operations, including orderliness, reagent standardization, and supply management.
• Supervise timecards, lab coverage, and compliance with procedures/policies during the absence of the Quality Supervisor.
• Provide insights and documentation to the Quality Supervisor on test discrepancies, process challenges, and operational needs.
• Play an active role in plant safety and quality programs, ensuring the lab is audit-ready at all times.

What you NEED to SUCCEED in this challenging role:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field preferred; relevant experience may substitute.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Senior Lab Technician with demonstrated technical troubleshooting skills.
• Proven experience with HPLC and GC chromatography instruments, including calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, guide, and support less experienced lab technicians.
• Advanced problem-solving abilities to handle complex, non-routine laboratory issues.
• Ability to manage supervisory tasks such as scheduling, coverage, and reporting in the absence of the Quality Supervisor.
• Proficiency in handling hazardous waste in accordance with RCRA and other regulatory standards.

What’s in it for YOU?

• Leadership opportunity on the evening shift with significant impact on lab operations.
• Hands-on role leveraging advanced technical skills while mentoring the next generation of lab technicians.
• Competitive hourly pay ($30/hr) and full-time benefits package.
• Opportunity to become fully certified on Master-Level Lab Technician procedures within 12 months and recertified biennially.
• A collaborative, safety-driven environment where quality is valued above all.

INDSJ