R&D Lab Technician

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team!

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is a cross-functional member of the R&D Analytical and Microbiology teams and will work to support our New and Existing Product Development (NPD/EPD) pipeline for products in the drug (OTC, DIN, NHP), medical device, cosmetic, disinfectant (EPA, DIN) and general household products areas.

The primary function of this position is to perform non-GMP testing through media, buffer, & sample solution preparations, bioburden assays, culture preparation, plate counts, analytical testing such as pH, titrations, specific gravity and/or and spectroscopy. Additionally, this role will manage inventory, sterilize/dispose materials and maintain a clean and orderly laboratory. This individual will be responsible for upholding our quality, safety, and efficiency in the laboratory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT:

• Perform routine and non-routine USP, EPA, ASTM, and in-house microbiological testing for antiseptic and disinfectant efficacy (e.g., disinfectant towelette test, quantitative towelette test, time-kill assay, MIC/MBC, sterility testing, microbial limits, bioburden).
• Execute testing following standard operating procedures in a BioSafety Level-2 Laboratory.
• Performs routine and non-routine analytical testing, such as titration (auto and manual), spectroscopy (FTIR, NIR, UV/Vis), pH, specific gravity, and/or color/odor/appearance.
• Support other R&D projects in the Analytical and Microbiology labs as assigned.

LABORATORY SUPPORT:

• Prepares media, mobile phases, buffers, reagents, sample preparations, dilutions, cultures etc. as needed.
• Washes glassware, maintains supplies, and orders media, reagents, parts and services as needed for the laboratory.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment (pipettes, balances, pH meters).
• Performs data analysis and maintains a compliant laboratory notebook following good documentation practice (GDP) in an electronic notebook (ELN).

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• Willing to learn additional analytical/microbiology skills and take on more responsibility and functional activities.
• Able to work efficiently to meet timelines and balance priorities as directed by supervisor.
• Communicate effectively with other team members within R&D.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Science preferred (ideally in Chemistry or Microbiology)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Previous experience in a laboratory environment working with general lab equipment.
• Willing to learn EPA, FDA, ICH, etc. regulations related to their testing.
• Read and comprehend Company policies and procedures, including safety rules and regulations.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 0-3 years of experience in an R&D or QC lab, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Analytical and continuous improvement mindset
• Able to follow explicit directions, multitask, keep diligent records, and conduct work with the highest integrity.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal / written).
• Computer literate (MS Outlook/Teams/Word/Excel, Electronic Notebook, LIMS).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• About 80% Lab and 20% office environment.
• R&D: Woodcliff Lake, NJ.
• Able to physically manipulate wet wipe samples by hand through squeezing, wringing, wiping, and pushing/pressing motions.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and stand for 4 hours.

SALARY RANGE:

• $47,500 - $57,500 annually

BENEFITS

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

• Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
• Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short & long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.