Job Information
Lauridsen Group Inc. Research Assistant - APC in Ankeny, Iowa
To support research projects by assisting with analytical analysis of samples, conducting simple experiments, summarizing results, and assisting with laboratory maintenance and cleanliness.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in a science-focused area, such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Food Science is preferred.
Experience: Laboratory skills and knowledge of laboratory equipment and analytical techniques preferred. Research experience a plus.
JOB DUTIES:
Perform quality assurance tests on samples and diets as needed, including pH, moisture, solids, ash, protein, texture, viscosity, temperature, color, weight, etc.
Provide needed assistance to colleagues to conduct some trials needed to achieve their objectives of R&D projects.
Conduct simple experiments and record measurements and observations under the guidance of scientists.
Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all laboratory work including methodology and results.
Report research findings to senior staff and team members.
Review literature.
Occasional travel to collect raw materials/ingredients.
Order and maintain lab supplies, chemicals, and ingredients.
Maintain proper care and usage of laboratory and analytical equipment.
Maintain clean and safe working environment.
Clean equipment and APC lab spaces as needed.
Develop and maintain complete, accurate sample data files on computer for R&D to aid in product and process traceability.
All other related duties as assigned by Principal Scientist.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of basic lab techniques and equipment such as but not limited to pipetting, centrifugation, and solution preparation.
Understanding of pet food and/or food science is a plus.
Basic computer skills (Windows, MS Excel, MS Word).
Basic statistical analysis.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work successfully in a team setting.
Desire to learn new techniques and adapt to changing research needs.
Ability to understand and communicate technical information.
Ability to manage and maintain confidential information such as formulas and data from customers, R&D project, proprietary formulas, research methods/techniques and current or future projects.
BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Approximate: 8-Hour Day (ability to show flexibility based on project deadlines)
Key: Occasional = 0% - 33%
Frequent = 34% - 66%
Continuous = 67% - 100%
N/A = Not Applicable
Standing - Frequent
Sitting - Occasional
Walking - Frequent
Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping - Frequent
Reaching Above Shoulder - Frequent
Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.) - Frequent
Working on Heights:
Unprotected Heights - NA
Protected Heights - NA
Lifting Weights from 0 to 50 pounds - Frequent
Push/Pull/Maneuver Equipment/Products/Materials
Weighing from 0 to 50 pounds - Frequent
Being Around and/or Operating Moving Machinery/Equipment - Frequent
Operating a Vehicle (as a part of your job) - Occasional
Read/Monitor Gauges on Various Equipment/Machinery - Frequent
Hand Movements:
Recording Data - Continuous
Operating Office Equipment - Occasional
Operating Computer - Continuous
Simple Grasping (right and left) - Occasional
Firm Grasping (right and left) - Occasional
Fine Manipulating (right and left) - Frequent
Foot Movements to Operate Foot Controls - Occasional
Good Vision, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Access
Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - Yes
Color Definition - Yes
Good Hearing, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Communicate
and/or Understand Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - Yes
Ability to be Mobile throughout Required Work Areas - Yes
Office - Frequent
Multiple Locations - Frequent
Plant - Occasional
Equipment/Maintenance or Repair Area - Occasional
Rough Terrain - NA
Other - NA
BASIC MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires the mental and interpersonal capabilities to apply and communicate advanced technical expertise in a professional laboratory, technical and sales environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND EXPOSURES:
This position spends time in a general office, pilot plant and laboratory settings, which may require extended hours during peak periods of activity. Environments can be wet, and loud at times. This position may require standing for extended periods and handling hazardous materials.
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of the job duties and requirements associated with this job, but it is intended to represent an accurate reflection of the current job.
APC participates in E-Verify
LGI’s foundation began in 1916 as the Lauridsen Creamery, selling butter, eggs and poultry to the local community. Although our headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, is not far from the old creamery in Dedham, Iowa, the company is now worldwide with more than fifty manufacturing and sales locations in twenty countries and sales in more than sixty countries.
Each company under the LGI umbrella is truly independent. They have the ability and the charge to be entrepreneurial, to seek out new markets, to develop new products and applications, and – above all - to discover new ways to add value through fractionation and novel application.
What’s more, because some LGI companies have offices and presence around the world, all LGI companies benefit from their exposure to new markets, new products, new applications and new thinking.