Lab Technician (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

  Office of Industry & Community Engagement, Acadia U (http://research.acadiau.ca/)

  Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

 

The Acadia Laboratory for Agri-food & Beverage (ALAB) is an analytical lab that provides state-of-the-art services to the wine, craft beverage and food industries in Atlantic Canada.

 

Responsibilities and Duties:

·         Lead the daily operation of ALAB 

·         Perform precise chemical and microbiological analyses. 

·         Ensure accurate operations of all laboratory equipment/instrumentation (spectrophotometer, Wet Chemistry Analyzer, FOSS, high-performance liquid chromatographer, gas chromatographer, turbidity meter, yeast counter) and other instruments, as required.  Includes maintaining and calibrating analytical instruments in optimum operation condition and validating methods and equipment using a range of analytical techniques and instrumentation.

·         Prepare standardized chemical solutions for analyses, as required. 

·         Execute all aspects of data collection and data management, clearly, accurately and securely - tracking of samples and results, processing work orders, billing, report preparation and distribution.

·         Coordinate inventory of supplies, and ordering of supplies.

·         Manage client samples - collection, receiving samples, storage, processing, disposal.

·         Deliver tours of ALAB.

·         Work closely with a Wine Quality Specialist on: interpretation of results, communication of results to clients,  implementation and maintenance of Quality Assurance system within the laboratory.

·         Some lab supervision of students might be required.

·         Perform other tasks, as required.

 

Qualifications and Relevant Skills:

The preferred candidate will have:

·         A Masters in analytical chemistry. Experienced applicants with degrees/diplomas in relevant areas (science, chemistry, microbiology, food science) will be considered. 

·         3+ years of laboratory experience including chemical and microbiological testing. Preference given to applicants with experience in food and beverage technical roles. 

·         Familiarity with major aspects of wine analysis. 

·         An understanding of the proper use and preparation of standardized chemical solutions used in the laboratory.

·         Knowledge of testing, calibration and quality assurance procedures, methods and equipment. Specific knowledge of and experience on ALAB equipment.

·         Proficiency in basic computer applications, and an understanding of Lab Information Management Systems.  An ability to learn quality assurance and statistical analysis software.

·         The ability to work independently, as well as effectively in a team environment, and adhere to all safety regulations and operating procedures.

·         Leadership qualities.

·         Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

·         Some experience in budget preparation.

·         Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

 

Assets:

·         Quality Assurance experience, preferably in the beverage/food industry.

·         An understanding of general winemaking concepts and sensory analysis.

·         Winery or vineyard work experience.

 

 

 

 

Salary commensurate with experience. This is a 12-month contract position, starting immediately, with a review/re-evaluation of the position after one year, and a possibility of renewal. We are open to some flexibility in terms of scheduling.

How To Apply

Applications will be considered starting May 25th, 2018
Applicants should send their CV and a cover letter electronically to the attention of Peggy Crawford, Manager, Industry Partnerships, Office of Industry & Community Engagement, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R6

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