Quality Lab Technician (Howell)

Who We Are

Koppert Biological Systems is the worldwide market leader in integrated pest management and disease management. Koppert stands at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, having been founded in 1967 by visionary Dutch grower Jan Koppert. Our mission is to make agriculture healthier, safer, and more productive by partnering with nature. We achieve this through the use of natural enemies to combat pests, employing bumblebees for pollination, and leveraging microbials and bio stimulants to support, protect, and strengthen crops. With a clear vision of achieving 100% sustainable agriculture, we collaborate with growers, partners, universities, research institutions, and governmental bodies globally to meet the highest food safety demands while contributing to the better health of people and the planet. 

Job Purpose

The Quality Lab Technician supports Koppert’s commitment to delivering the high standards our customers expect by generating accurate laboratory data, analyzing biological and environmental samples, and maintaining precise documentation to ensure product integrity and compliance. This role contributes to continuous improvement by investigating deviations, customer complaints, non-conformances, and using quality tools to identify trends and root causes. Through dependable analytical work and clear communication with production and global quality teams, the Quality Lab Technician helps ensure consistent product performance and operational efficiency across the organization.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Perform a variety of routine laboratory operations using foundational knowledge of biological and laboratory principles.
• Conduct routine laboratory experiments to support quality improvement initiatives and production process optimization.
• Perform initial inspections and quick checks on incoming products, documenting and reporting findings clearly and accurately.
• Collect, evaluate, and analyze production samples; provide timely feedback and ensure all data is recorded in compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Conduct weekly sampling of final products to verify compliance with established specifications.
• Carry out routine testing for product release, stability studies, and environmental or microbiological monitoring programs.
• Configure, operate, and maintain basic laboratory instruments and equipment in accordance with company standards.
• Develop, revise, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other controlled documents to support laboratory and quality system needs.
• Participate in internal audits, evaluate results, and communicate findings to supervisors or managers.
• Document deviations, non-conformances, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and support the use of quality tools to drive continuous improvement.
• Investigate customer complaints by reviewing data, evaluating potential root causes, and documenting findings to support corrective and preventive actions.
• Support molecular biology workflows as needed, including DNA extractions, PCR, dissections, and examination of biological samples (e.g., bee hive materials).
• Assist Quality and R&D team members with laboratory setup, equipment testing, and method implementation.
• Clearly communicate laboratory results and quality observations to production and operations personnel.
• Maintain organized, clean, and compliant work areas, ensuring adherence to safety and quality guidelines.
• Perform all related duties as assigned to support laboratory and production operations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Communicate effectively; both verbally and written in English.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general scientific research and technical procedures. Ability to compose scientific reports, business correspondence, and SOPs. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables; statistical analysis skills are necessary.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Education and Experience

• BA/BS Degree in biological science from an accredited 4-year college or university; or 3-4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and similar experience.
• At least 1-year experience working in a life science/biomedical lab environment using standard equipment.
• Experience conducting husbandry of live animals and/or rearing of insects in a lab setting.

Working Conditions

• General office/laboratory/production environment: Works generally at a desk in a well-lit, air-conditioned cubicle/office, with moderate noise levels 
• Regular exposure to bumble bees and live insects.
• Frequently exposed to hot or humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly stand or walk for long periods of time. 
• Ability to travel (air and ground).
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds, and occasionally lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to vibration, repetitive motion, bending, lifting, twisting, crouching, reaching, pushing, and/or pulling.
• Ability to endure heat or excessively cold conditions.
• Ability to control emotions under various levels of pressures, stress, and fast paced activities. 

Working at Koppert

The working atmosphere at Koppert is informal. We are a family company and closely involved with everything that happens within and outside our company. We are consistently looking at ways of improving and continuing to invest in our employees.

Comprehensive Benefits Package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer funded health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employer 401K match, life insurance, wellness program initiatives, employee assistance program, Volunteer Day, Koppert gear, and generous PTO!

Koppert Biological Systems is a veteran-friendly, Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. If you want to join a global and growing organization submit your cover letter and resume. At Koppert, we learn something every day!

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