Vitaquest International is an industry-leading development and commercialization partner for consumer products in nutraceutical and functional foods. With over 40 years of history, Vitaquest has the market insight, global reach and scale of operations to support emerging and existing consumer brands from the idea to the store shelf with flawless execution in every phase. Today, Vitaquest creates and produces more than 4,000 customer formulas for more than 500 brands in over 40 countries.
Vitaquest's employees follow an internal communications plan to encourage productivity and engagement within the organization. This is known as Vitaquest PROUD. We believe that each employee contributes directly to the organization's growth and success. We are looking for individuals who share our innovative spirit and hope will take pride in being a part of our Company.
Title: QC Lab Sample Preparation Technician
Department: Quality Control
Reports To: QC Lab Manager
Position Purpose and Objectives (Lab Technician)
Coordinates and performs the preparation of raw materials, in-process samples, stability samples, and finished products for analytical testing within the Quality Control Laboratory. The primary responsibility of this position is to prepare representative laboratory samples through standardized comminution, homogenization, and aliquoting practices to support efficient laboratory workflow, reduce duplicate preparation efforts, improve turnaround times, and ensure consistency of analytical results across all testing disciplines.
This position works closely with the Sample Planner and laboratory personnel to prioritize incoming samples, prepare representative aliquots for each analytical testing area, and maintain sample integrity throughout the testing process. Routine analytical testing may also be performed as laboratory priorities require.
The QC Sample Preparation Lab Technician serves as the centralized sample preparation resource for the laboratory, ensuring that analytical testing originates from a single representative, homogenized preparation whenever practical. This approach minimizes preparation variability between testing groups, improves comparability and precision of analytical results, preserves sample integrity, and eliminates redundant preparation efforts across the laboratory, resulting in more accurate, representative, and reproducible laboratory data.
Essential Job Functions - (Lab Technician)
- Coordinate daily sample preparation activities with the Sample Planner to ensure timely processing of incoming laboratory samples based on laboratory priorities and turnaround time objectives.
- Perform sample comminution and homogenization using approved laboratory equipment, including the Pulverisette 11, to produce representative laboratory samples.
- Prepare a single representative homogenized sample and distribute standardized aliquots to the appropriate analytical testing groups (e.g., chemistry, microbiology, heavy metals, stability, and other specialty testing areas) to minimize preparation variability, eliminate duplicate preparation efforts, and improve consistency and comparability of analytical results across the laboratory.
- Maintain sample identity, traceability, integrity, and chain of custody throughout receipt, preparation, aliquoting, storage, and distribution.
- Ensure standardized sample preparation techniques are consistently followed to maximize analytical accuracy, precision, and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with laboratory personnel to continuously improve sample preparation workflows and laboratory efficiency.
- Prioritize daily sample preparation activities to support laboratory turnaround time goals while adapting to changing workloads and testing priorities.
- Perform routine analytical testing using approved laboratory methods when assigned or as laboratory workload and priorities require.
- Record analytical and sample preparation activities in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and established Quality System procedures.
- Assist in the preparation of laboratory reagents and reference materials.
- Assist in routine laboratory maintenance activities including laboratory cleanliness, glassware washing, pipette maintenance, reagent inventory, laboratory waste disposal, and maintenance of sample preparation equipment.
- Identify and communicate opportunities to improve laboratory workflow, sample preparation practices, and operational efficiency.
- Follow all applicable SOPs, laboratory safety requirements, and Quality Management System procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required - (Lab Technician)
- Understanding of representative sampling, homogenization, comminution, and sample preparation principles.
- Ability to coordinate multiple laboratory priorities in a fast-paced analytical environment.
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and laboratory quality systems.
- Experience operating laboratory balances, mills, grinders, homogenizers, and other sample preparation equipment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to sample integrity.
- Competent in basic scientific and mathematical calculations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with laboratory analysts, planners, and supervisors.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Working Conditions
A dynamic, fast-paced Quality Control laboratory supporting analytical, microbiological, heavy metal, stability, and finished product testing for dietary supplements and raw materials.
Minimum Qualifications - (Lab Technician)
- Associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Physical Science, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent laboratory experience.
- Zero to two years of laboratory experience preferred.
- Experience in laboratory sample preparation, analytical laboratory operations, or GMP-regulated laboratories is preferred.
Success Factors
- Self-motivated team player.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to laboratory efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Maintains exceptional standards of sample integrity and traceability.
- Effectively prioritizes changing workloads while maintaining accuracy and quality.
- Consistently follows standardized sample preparation practices to improve laboratory reproducibility and support scientifically defensible analytical results.
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Laboratory: 1 year (Preferred)
- Food production: 1 year (Preferred)
- GMP: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
