Location
Blacksburg, VA | United States
Job description
- Job Title
- R&D Technician, LTE
- Job #
- US18842
- Requisition Type
- Contractor
- Function
- Product Development
- State/Province
- Virginia
- City
- Blacksburg
- Region
- US
- Posting Start Date
- Mar-07-2024
Division Information
The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra®, Instant Ocean®, Marineland®, 8-in-1®, Dingo®, FURminator®, Nature’s Miracle®, GloFish®, DreamBone® and SmartBones®.
Job Summary
The R&D Aquatics Lab Technician (LTE) is responsible for performing testing and animal care services for the Global Pet Care R&D Department. This individual will be responsible for maintaining aquariums and animal habitats, as well as providing animal care for a variety of species, including fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles, and amphibians. This position must always comply with company policies, safe work practices, and maintain a safe work environment. Come join a winning team that manages a growing $1.2 billion product portfolio!
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Testing, Analysis and Laboratory Responsibilities (90%)
- Solely responsible for maintaining all aquariums and animal habitats in the R&D Aquatics Lab
- Provide animal care and daily feeding for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species
- Assist the R&D Lab Supervisor by preparing and monitoring new and existing global product samples for efficacy, chemical and/or physical stability and best by date validation in compliance with U.S. and international pet product markets
- Manage laboratory inventory by requesting laboratory supplies be ordered as needed, collecting and labeling raw materials from warehouse, and confirming proper storage of all items promptly upon receiving
- Collaborate with EHS, QA, Food Safety and Regulatory Departments to review and document raw materials for existing and new U.S. and international products
- Arrange sample deliveries for efficacy studies at certified testing facilities or other specific business needs
- Work with R&D Laboratory Supervisor to write and maintain up to date Standard Operating Procedures for new laboratory testing
- Prepare mock-up samples in response to U.S. and International marketing and sales teams request
- Other duties as assigned and opportunities arise
Process Development (5%)
- Actively participate in the continuous improvement of all testing protocols and laboratory equipment calibrations
- Contribute to the company Speed to Market initiative by prioritizing time and resources
Documentation (5%)
- Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook for all projects
- Ability to efficiently analyze data and provide detailed test reports
- Maintain product testing database and generate testing certificates for U.S. and International products
- Assist in the maintenance and entries of R&D data bases
- Ability to maintain annual testing requirements for product claims substantiation
Education and Experience Profile
- Bachelor’s degree required with preference given to those with Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Food Sciences, Fish & Wildlife Conservation or related science background
- 1-2 years of experience working in a laboratory setting required
- Experience with water quality testing and maintaining aquatics livestock including fresh water and marine fish and reptiles preferred
Required Skills
- Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment, and safety requirements
- High level of organizational, basic critical thinking, analytical, and multi-tasking skills
- Good communication skills, both written and oral
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- PC Skills: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adobe, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, ZOOM, etc.
Work Environment
- 90% lab environment
- 10% office environment
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job/classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Spectrum Brands is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Job tags
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