Lab Analyst

Role Purpose

Ensure accurate testing and evaluation of grains upon delivery, during storage, and upon dispatch, adhering to quality control and safety standards. Handle samples, follow established procedures, and document and archive all lab analysis operational activities and provide detailed reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor to support well-informed decisions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Sample Collection

• Ensure sampling is random and representative by extracting samples from different batches and at different stages (e.g., upon arrival of shipment, during storage, upon dispatch).
• Collect samples from various locations within containers to obtain samples from moving grain streams, and from different points (e.g., combine to truck, truck to bin) to combine multiple samples for representativeness.
• Handle samples carefully to maintain varieties of grain samples to ensure better analysis and accuracy.

Laboratory Analysis

• Follow established protocols and procedures to conduct grain-specific tests using approved samples to maintain consistency.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment and related grain sample collection analysis tools.
• Conduct grain laboratory tests and analyze data to compare them against quality standards and historical data.
• Ensure grain analysis is conducted pre- and post-evaporation to identify grain quality issues and take corrective measures.
• Analyze stored grains to ensure quality is maintained throughout storage in alignment with defined requirements and specifications.
• Support and comply with all grain safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Data Archiving and Safety & Procedures

• Ensure lab analysis operations are well-documented and archived to provide valuable insights, support quality control, and maintain future reference and analysis.
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to ensure continuous silo cleaning, preventing contamination, pests, and dust to ensure grain safety and quality.
• Document all lab operations, especially those related to chemical handling, including recording details of experiments, tests, and analyses performed to prevent future incidents.
• Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines while working with chemicals and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following established procedures to ensure proper ventilation in the lab.
• Ensure safe handling, use, storage, and disposal of chemicals prior to conducting lab analysis by understanding the properties, hazards, and proper procedures for each chemical used during grain analysis.

Skills

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of experience is required.
• Experience in agriculture or food industry is highly preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Diploma in biology, chemistry, or related discipline.