Sr. R&D Laboratory Technician

About The Group

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

 

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team.

 

 

Job Purpose/Overview

At Lavazza North America, the Sr. R&D Laboratory Technician will be responsible for leading laboratory staff carrying out requested developmental testing for packaging, process, ingredients, and brewers. This role is to ensure product quality, continuous improvement, and delivery of new product that meet consumer requirements. It is critical of this role to maintain the accuracy and traceability of results and sustain quality of analysis within the desired deliverable timeline.

 

Location: West Chester, PA

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

• Manage test sample collection, logging, and storage of products, cross referencing product labelling with lab work request and notifying R&D leadership if there are inconsistencies.
• Lead laboratory staff to ensure testing is conducted in a timely and quality manner.
• Prepare test samples and forms for analytical testing.
• Perform and document ingredient, packaging, brewer, verification, and calibration testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in prime operating condition, including proper use of equipment, cleaning, verification, and calibrations as needed.
• Perform analysis according to required Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Collect, collate, and disseminate analytical data, providing accurate reports for internal customer(s).
• Deliver analysis and reports for projects from validation to conformance verification stage of project, link results of each project stage via report summaries.
• Highlight out of specification or data irregularities to R&D leadership.
• Highlight variances or inconsistences between documented SOPs and practical applications.
• Assist in development and training of contractors and new laboratory staff
• Understand and meet testing priorities and expectations.
• Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to the testing protocols and ways of working.
• Adhere to all safety procedures required.
• Maintain cleanliness of laboratory areas.
• Provide review and feedback of laboratory results to maintain team consistency in reporting.
• Order consumables for the laboratory.
• Support external laboratory testing such as sample and results management.
• Participate in ad hoc projects to drive step changes in the laboratory as well as throughout the business
• Performs other related duties and assignments as required
   

 

Job Specifications/Qualifications

 

• Bachelors Degree in science-based or related discipline required 
• 2+ years working in a lab setting 
• Skilled at technical report writing
• Experience with statistical software a plus (such as Excel or Minitab)
• Scientific background
• Experienced with laboratory techniques and equipment
• Analytical, data entry and computer literacy (Microsoft Office)
• Be able to work under deadlines, self-motivating
• Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of machine servicing is an asset
• Knowledge of software validation is an asset
• Knowledge of SOP writing is an asset
• Ability to lift 50lbs and walk/stand for long periods

 

 

Benefits/Perks 

 

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 
• 401K Package 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
• Hybrid Work Schedule 
• Ability to be barista certified
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans 
• Employee Discounts 
• A Dynamic & Collaborative Culture
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly! 
• Free coffee, anytime!
   

 

 

 

 

Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to ra