Analytical Scientist

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is a manufacturing company based in Volga South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high-quality feed ingredients. Using patent-pending technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading soybean meal to high-quality ingredients used in aquaculture and other animal feeds.

JOB DUTIES

This full-time position has responsibility and accountability for analytical instrumentation to ensure that commercial and product development milestones are met. This position requires outstanding attention to detail, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to multi-task. This position does require rotating weekend coverage. This position will report to the Laboratory Manager and will be responsible for the following:

• Prepare standard and sample solutions as required by the test methods.
• Operate analytical instruments during testing (i.e., BSC, pipettes, balances, leco, HPLC, PCR, etc.)
• Validation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments.
• Perform peer review of other chemist's work.
• Perform analytical method development and validations as required.
• Provide analytical support to process validations.
• Participate in Regulatory, Internal, and Vendor audit programs as required.
• Provide technical guidance/troubleshooting where applicable.
• Make and record observations, perform calculations, and collect, and prepare data for evaluation by team every week.
• Conduct support functions with team members such as stocking and distributing supplies and equipment.
• Carry out all laboratory functions in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices, all Company Policies and Procedures as well as applicable regulatory standards.
• Additional responsibilities may include assisting with laboratory purchasing, maintaining inventories of chemicals and supplies, and waste management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in an accredited laboratory with Good Laboratory Practices
• Experience with Analytical Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Experience in Quantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Methods

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry or a related field of study
• Scientific, yet practical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams and to prioritize and manage multiple demands.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee employment. As part of our hiring process, Houdek reserves the right to conduct background investigations, which may include verification of education, past employment, and professional references, as well as criminal history checks where permitted by law. Background checks will be conducted when deemed necessary and appropriate for the role being considered, and any such inquiries will be handled in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment consideration. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the conviction. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and understand that falsification of information may result in removal from the hiring process or termination if already employed.