Laboratory Coordinator - Operations bei None

Summary

Responsible for processing lab samples, managing testing data and reports; coordinating testing with contract labs, communicating test progress and results to other NAI departments and for managing lab chemicals, supplies and equipment. 

Duties & Responsibilities

      Core Responsibilities

• Manage all samples (raw material, bulk and packaged goods) submitted by production, QA, and R&D from receipt into the lab to release to the appropriate NAI department.
• Review test request forms and identify samples for microbiological versus analytical testing and for in-house versus contract testing.
• Consult with lab supervisors regarding method applicability and validity, turnaround times, and rush options. 
• Populate all online logbooks and databases (including but not limited to Baan and LIMS) with samples information, testing requirements and Estimated Release Dates (ERDs).
• Manage contract testing and ensure accurate and timely sample processing at the contract lab.
• Reply to routine ERD inquiries (via email and phone) from other departments (primarily QA, Planning, and Client Services).
• Update appropriate logbooks and databases to reflect testing progress, assay results, and final sample release from QC.
• Review paper and electronic QC records to ensure that all entries are up-to-date, accurate and consistent.
• Maintain an organized and cleaned front office (including samples storage and office supplies). 
• Package and ship samples to contract labs (nationally and internationally) and review receipt confirmation for accuracy of sample description and quantity, testing methodology and processing time (standard versus rush) requested. 
• Maintain effective written communication with contract labs regarding sample processing, testing progress and delays, OOS and retest needs, and ultimately, issuance of valid COAs.  

Operation Functions

• Inspect lab to ensure a safe, efficient, and organized workplace, and notify supervisors of potential issues.
• Oversee proper return of samples to front office once testing has been completed.
• Assist QC management in ensuring that lab meets all GLP/GMP requirements and adheres to company policies.

Chemical and Supply Inventory

• Manage and maintain an up-to-date chemical and supply inventory for both the chemistry and the micro sections of the lab.
• Maintain CofA and SDS files for all received chemicals
• Process and qualify all received chemicals (standards, solvents, reagents, botanicals, media) and supplies before placing them into the appropriate storage location (fridges, freezers, cabinets, desiccators, and shelves)
• Ensure that active chemicals are within their respective shelf life; take expired chemicals out of circulation and report to appropriate staff for disposal.
• Assist lab supervisors with waste disposal program; coordinate pick-ups with outside firms and process paperwork.  

Equipment Inventory 

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory to track active, out-of-service, and retired equipment.
• Process new equipment upon receipt by assigning asset numbers and consulting with supervisors to ensure that all needed vendor documentation has been received
• Ensure that all out-of-service equipment are properly tagged in the lab
• Coordinate with supervisors and outside firms to plan calibration & maintenance services
• Manage all paper and electronic calibration records
• Review equipment logbooks and records for potential issues

 Databases 

• Troubleshoot laboratory software/computer issues before escalating to IT department
• Identify potentially problematic entry processes and suggest solutions to eliminate root cause
• Serve as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requests for data statistics 

 Other Duties

• Draft and submit DCRs per supervisors and manager directives. 
• Serves as a back up to the “Laboratory Coordinator - Administrative” 
• Perform other duties as requested

  Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma, or GED with 1-3 years of relevant experience. BS, BA in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Computer Science is a plus.

• Experience in scientific industry, preferably in a QA/QC environment. 

• Proficient with MS Office suite,  database software, MS Access, SQL Server
• Ability to maintain documentation  with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication and team facilitation skills. 
• Ability to interact tactfully and professionally with other  NAI departments, contract labs and vendors
• Ability to multi task, work effectively and handle frequent interruptions in a fast paced environment. 
• Detail oriented with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems 
• Self-starter capable of taking initiative and make recommendation to improve lab performance
• Ability to work in a GLP/GMP regulated environment.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop and kneel; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and stand.
• Able to work with and around hazardous materials, chemicals, and equipment. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Lifting requirement: Up to the maximum safety-recommended 50 pounds
• The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment

Computer workstation and climate-controlled office environment. May occasionally enter laboratory and/or production areas where personal protective equipment might be required.

NAI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, intersectionality, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Upon this conditional offer of employment, a satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) with submission and passing a pre-employment post offer drug test is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position. Upon successful completion of the background check process, we will determine the date when your employment begins. NAI utilizes E-Verify to electronically verify employment eligibility.