Lab Assistant

UPL Limited (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070, LSE: UPLL) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $6bn. We are a purpose-led company. Through OpenAg®, UPL is focused on accelerating progress for the food system. We are building a network that is reimagining sustainability, redefining the way an entire industry thinks and works – open to fresh ideas, innovation, and new answers as we strive towards our mission to make every single food product more sustainable. As one of the largest agriculture solutions companies worldwide, our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 14,000 registrations. We are present in more than 130 countries, represented by more than 10,000 colleagues globally. For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds, post-harvest, as well as physical and digital services, please visit upl-ltd.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Job Summary:

Supporting DECCO, the post-harvest business of UPL, the Lab Assistant will be led by R&D Manager and Sr Analytical Chemist.  The job holder will operate an analytical lab to support Pome and Potato business units, as well as broader R&D activities. The selected candidate will be responsible for performing analysis and reporting results to internal and external customers and developing, validating, and documenting new protocols.  The Lab Assistant will manage the day-to-day sample processing by appropriately assigning the tasks to seasonal workers as needed to ensure timely turnaround of sample analysis during the seasons for Cherry, Pome and Potato. During the harvest season the jobholder will spend extended evening hours including weekends to process samples and generate analytical reports.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of sample analysis results.
• Support NEXY program with analysis and communication with the stake holders.
• Maintain all equipment in good operational conditions and increase GC proficiency. 
• Communicate with mangers to ensure proper manning of temps and supplies to meet sample loads surges.
• Assign workload to seasonal workers for efficient utilization of the personnel to process samples. 
• Receive, log, analyze field samples and send out daily residue reports to customers.
• Prepare daily field sample analysis report and discuss the results with technical service personnel.
• Perform day to day laboratory tasks and documentation of checklists.
• Maintain laboratory clean and in good operating conditions.
• Follow safety protocols and manage waste generated from lab.
• Provide support to R&D projects.
• Support DECCO US management team by providing technical support and data from analysis.
• Collaborate with the DECCO Monrovia, CA lab, Yakima, WA lab.
• Work extended hours during Pome harvest season to keep required turnaround of sample reporting.
• Keep in good communication with R&D Manager and Sr Analytical Chemist on daily activities

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant working experience related to sample analysis with gas chromatograph and biological sample assay and preparation work.
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver results.   
• Ability to work in a team environment – Collaboration and Cooperation.
• Computer skills: MS Access, Excel and other MS Office programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS:

• Understanding of postharvest processes.
• Knowledge of pesticides and general use.
• Analytical instrumentation.
• Experience conducting lab investigations.

Location:  Wenatchee, Washington

Travel: Minimal, occasional travel to Yakima, WA for training or support.

We are one team, for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We all play for the team and no one plays against the team. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them.

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