Laboratory Customer Support Technician

Role Summary

The Laboratory Customer Support Technician is a key member of the Phibro Ethanol Diagnostic Lab team based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The role supports day-to-day lab operations, including general maintenance, instrument calibration and metrology, testing, and ensuring compliance with SOPs. The Technician will manage a portion of customer service and/or quality work to deliver timely results and actionable recommendations, and will collaborate with other lab staff and the Director of Laboratory Services.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality laboratory customer service, including flexibility to work evenings and weekends as business needs require
• Receive, log, analyze, and process customer and experimental samples using established laboratory methods
• Perform routine laboratory testing, fermentation assays, and analytical sample preparation (e.g., HPLC, GC) in compliance with SOPs
• Accurately analyze, document, and manage experimental data and results using electronic systems
• Prepare clear, timely technical reports and summaries to communicate results to internal teams and customers
• Operate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory, fermentation, and sterilization equipment
• Maintain laboratory readiness through inventory management, media preparation, and general lab maintenance in collaboration with other team members
• Contribute to continuous improvement by writing, reviewing, and updating SOPs and providing technical feedback

Qualifications

• Laboratory Techniques: Proficient in aseptic techniques, sterile hoods, autoclaves, plating methods, microscopy, cell counting, staining, and cell culture.
• Fermentation Experience: Hands-on experience with bench-scale fermentations using shake flasks or fermenters.
• Software Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and laboratory data acquisition/analysis systems.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to identify issues, recommend improvements, and execute tasks to completion.
• Communication: Clear, accurate, and professional written communication of technical information.
• Operational Discipline: Ability to follow SOPs and recipes using metric and English units.
• Learning Agility: Quickly learns and applies new methods and technologies.
• Work Flexibility: Willing to work occasional evenings/weekends.
• Microbiology Expertise: Strong skills in microbial techniques and yeast fermentation.
• Data Evaluation: Ability to review and interpret laboratory-generated data.
• Statistics: Working knowledge of experimental design and data analysis.
• Safety: Consistently follows laboratory safety policies and procedures.

Education

• Associate’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant lab experience required; degree in biology, microbiology, or related field preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Travel up to 10% annually
• Physical requirements: Able to lift 15–25 pounds