Summary: The Technical Services Lead plays an important role in the optimization of existing FQT technologies, as well as in the development of the next generation of technologies. This position will be located at the FQT office in Cedar Rapids, IA. The ideal candidate possesses an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong knowledge in enzymatic reactions, biological conversion processes and other unit operations found in a typical grain/food processing facilities. Laboratory experience is required with a wide range of analytical testing methods and instruments, including nitrogen combustion analyzers, HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, and typical analytical methods used in food and feed ingredient production.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Ability to design and run lab scale experiments relating to enzymatic reactions, biological conversion processes, chemical and mechanical separations, dewatering, drying, evaporation, etc.
• Actively work with R&D and engineering teams to scale processes from lab through commercial scale.
• Support Clients/Customers and FQT engineering teams through laboratory activities including sampling, physical and chemical testing, data trending, and performance reporting.
• Maintain professional relationships with the client laboratory managers and FQT personnel. Offer to train Client laboratory and operator personnel as needed to ensure they fully understand how to monitor and maximize their installed FQT technology.
• Record and maintain all lab-related data.
• Professional communication and monthly reporting of achievements.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently communicate across the R&D, engineering, sales and leadership teams and FQT’s customers.
• Highly proficient in project management and project execution.
• Ability to hold him/herself fully accountable for performance measurements and adjust work flow as needed.
• Instills a high quality work environment at all times as well as demonstrates a strong QA/QC process for all R&D and engineering activities.

Professional Skills Required:

• Laboratory experience, preferably in an industrial setting.
• Knowledgeable on food/feed safety and regulatory processes and procedures including FSMA, FDA GRAS, CFR definitions, HACCP, AAFCO, etc.
• Proficiency with instrumental analyses, including nitrogen combustion analyzers, HPLC, GC, and typical analytical methods used in food and feed ingredient production.
• Strong fundamental analytical principles on topics such as sampling, calibration, detection limits.
• Ability to read, understand and generate standard operating procedures and other technical documents.
• Excellent communicator with internal and external customers/clients.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, and LIMS and other related computer software programs.
• Proficient in statistics, including the use of statistical software packages (JMP, Minitab, etc.).
• Must be prepared to work evenings and weekends on occasion.
• Ability to work remotely with little to no direct oversight.
• Identifies and communicates internal and external best demonstrated practices.
• Handles themselves in a professional manner at all times, even during challenging situations with internal and external clients, vendors and contractors.
• Acts safely at all times whether at the FQT office or at client’s facility.

Additional Requirements:

Must have proven abilities and skills in project leadership, communication, client relations, training, delegating, planning, business acumen, organizing, problem solving and high safety standards. Successful candidate must set standards of excellence in quality and productivity.

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