Physicochemical Lab. Technician

About the Role

This role entails performing routine daily quality control inspections and conducting analyses of incoming and outgoing materials and finished goods samples to ensure compliance with quality standards. The candidate will organize, update, analyze, and present results in writing and verbally to the Quality Control coordinator and other stakeholders, including the Quality Assurance team and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for laboratory analysis of raw cocoa beans and cocoa products based on quality inspection plan.
• Responsible for process monitoring by taking samples for analysis and communicating results to respective stakeholders.
• Responsible for sample preparation by compositing and blending samples based on the sampling plan.
• Responsible for the shells in nibs’ analyses of nibs finished product sample to ensure conformance to customer specifications.
• Responsible for analyses of nibs samples from the winnower to check for shells in nibs compliance.
• Verifies product batches produced from production to ensure all products have been sampled and sample lots are available for analysis.
• Carry out daily chlorine analyses on process water to ensure compliance.
• Responsible for carrying out all reference method analysis to validate rapid methods of analysis.
• Readily inform and liaise with production on the quality status during the process control analysis.
• Reports any deviations in products results for investigation and correction.
• Responsible for the preparation of standard solutions and or sample standards for analysis.
• Assist in sample preparation for daily sensory evaluation when necessary.
• Calibrate, verify, and maintain laboratory analytical instruments per laboratory calibration plan.
• Maintain good lab practices, to ensure personnel and facility safety in the working environment.
• Maintain and keep track of the physical and chemical inventories in the laboratory.
• Inspect the packaging and raw materials per quality plans.
• Ensure a clean laboratory environment, equipment, and proper housekeeping at all times.
• Undertakes Production Operator validation to ensure accurate analytical results of production online monitoring at all times.
• Responsible for updates of all analytical results of products in SAP, MES, and other relevant documents.
• Performs microbiological analysis when required. 
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

About You

• HND in Science Laboratory Technology or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification hands-on relevant working experience.
• Solid knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment and procedures (NIR analysis, solvent extraction techniques & other standard chemical analysis based on AOAC and ISO).
• Good knowledge in Chemical, physical, microbiological and other types of laboratory analysis in food industry.
• Proficient understanding of analytical concepts and advanced in analytical techniques.
• Knowledgeable in MS Office Suite. Knowledge in SAP tool is an additional advantage.
• Ability to make accurate technical decisions.
• Must be ready to work within the shift system or on the straight-day system.
• The candidate must possess the ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations.
• The candidate should have a team-oriented attitude.
• Strong communication skills, result-oriented and able to meet tight deadlines.