Laboratory Technician

The Seed Health Laboratory is seeking to fill a full-time position (38 hours a week) for a Laboratory Technician within the Bacteriology and Media Preparation Division. The selected candidate will support the Quality Testing department, focusing on the preparation, initiation and evaluation of samples, as well as the preparation of media and buffers used in our testing processes. These samples are essential for detecting the presence of specific bacterial pathogens on vegetable seeds and/or tissue.

Please note that this position is not a research position but a position set in a high-volume work environment where the performance of routine, repetitive tasks are required to generate high-quality test results for our stakeholders.

Main Purpose:
Under the general supervision of a Senior Technician, the Laboratory Technician prepares and initiates Quality Testing samples in a laboratory setting, including the preparation of media and buffers.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Carry out laboratory activities, service assignments, and corresponding administrative work based on short- to medium-term planning.
• Retrieve, prepare, and process seed samples for testing.
• Perform serial dilutions and plate samples.
• Assist in setting up bioassays as needed.
• Prepare media, buffers, and antibiotics for testing, and maintain stock inventory using the appropriate tools.
• Prepare controls as needed and maintain stock inventory.
• Participate in proficiency tests.
• Extract information from LabVantage to ensure proper labeling and documentation.
• Ensure that documentation for each test meets quality assurance requirements.
• Take a proactive approach towards process improvement.
• Support peers during the execution of activities.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with quality and phytosanitary policies.
• Foster a safe, clean, organized, compliant, and positive work environment.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: HBO and/or MBO 4 with proven experience
• Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work experience preferably in a lab- and/or product supply environment
• Knowledge of: Quality laboratory organization and processes, customer centric mindset, demonstrates care and concern for stakeholders and team, proactive in continuous improvement, agile to work in cross-functional environment, results oriented and cost conscious
• QMS and HSE: Apply standard operation procedures, ISO/ISTA, HSE and QMS rules to all samples. Ensure timely reporting of the results and their availability in LV and SAP
• Soft skills: Strong relationship and networking skills. Good communication in English (written and verbal).
• Technical skills: Seed Health knowledge and mastery in sample management tools. Experience with Microsoft Office applications required and experience with SAP desired.