Nitrile-Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Corporate Statement

Nephron Nitrile is a new privately-owned Nitrile Glove manufacturer. Nephron Nitrile products are proudly made in the USA! We are headquartered in West Columbia, South Carolina. The facility utilizes completely automated manufacturing, packaging, and distribution systems, in addition to high volume and redundant utility systems, to ensure production system availability.

Position Summary

• Record all formulations, dip sequences and speeds, chemical and physical property results and subjective observations throughout the development process in a laboratory notebook or designated documentation format.
• Assist with lab transfer of developed processes and product to manufacturing and assist manufacturing with glove line start up and trouble shooting
• Willingness to work outside of normal working times as required
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform latex dipping experiments with prepared compounds using both robot and hand dipping methods as directed
• Demonstrates proficiency, competency, and understanding of fundamental laboratory procedures and performs testing with precision and accuracy.
• Understand ASTM standards and other regulations relating to medical gloves.
• Mix materials using standard mixing equipment, measure properties including total solids, pH, viscosity and other characteristics as needed.
• Use various tools to measure final glove product physical properties including tensile strength, elongation, film thickness, glove weight and other physical properties as directed.
• Maintain lab to 5s standards relating to safety and efficiency.
• Prepare lab batches of nitrile latex and other necessary materials from detailed formulations and accurately calculate each material required per batch size.
• Support quality control testing and research and development activities as needed.
• Maintain company safety and security standards.

Primary Accountabilities:

• Conduct routine laboratory testing for raw materials, in-process materials, finished product and stability samples in accordance with approved methods.
• Perform calibration and routine maintenance of lab equipment as necessary and participate in troubleshooting and minor repair of instrumentation.
• Proper time management, efficient use of technical skills and company resources.
• Complete and maintain applicable training certifications as necessary.
• Adherence to good documentation practices and regulations.
• Coordinate and communicate with team members and other necessary departments in order to complete product development tasks on schedule and timely process and product development transfer to production.
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by management or senior leadership
• Reviews testing results and works with department supervisors and managers to resolve testing problems and ensures that all laboratory data is documented in compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Adherence to safety protocols and proper use of PPE.
• Use knowledge and skills to develop new products and improve existing processes and products.
• Execute and report the results of R&D testing to ensure smooth transfer of validated methods from R&D to QC.
• To conduct laboratory work using best-practice laboratory techniques, and to consistently follow laboratory requirements.
• Operate and navigate software systems including Microsoft Office etc.
• Operate safely all equipment such as balances, formulation tanks, mixing and testing equipment, pH meters and other processing and chemical and physical property testing equipment.
• Complete assigned tasks as scheduled and with proper documentation in lab notebooks.

NOTE: The primary accountabilities above and the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below, are intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or most of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Continuously demonstrate a strong and efficient performance in all aspects of compounding, mixing, dipping, process measurements and testing activities; including minimizing or eliminating errors and assisting with support tasks without additional prompting, and help others with other activities when available.
• Strong attention to detail, precision and focus on all tasks assigned.
• Individuals are required to wear appropriate PPE and interpret documentation containing safety guidance.
• Willingness to change direction and focus promptly to meet shifting organizational and business demands
• Ability to communicate effectively to team members and superiors.
• Ability to effectively manage oneself, demonstrate integrity, be productive under pressure, and achieve developmental goals.
• Minimum of high school diploma, Associate technical degree preferred
• Some knowledge in handling of water-based polymer materials as well as the compounding processes, acquired either through experience or education.
• 1-3 years of experience in an industrial lab or manufacturing environment
• Prior rubber, plastic or water-based polymer chemistry experience preferred.
• Position requires bending, typing, climbing, lifting, reaching, vision, standing, sitting, walking, and hearing
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team in order to create and contribute to an environment that values people and encourages trust, teamwork, and open communication.

EEO Statement:

Nephron Nitrile is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, mental or physical disability of a qualified individual, veteran or military status, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, genetic information, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local law.

Nephron Nitrile is a drug free workplace.