Waltham Laboratory Technician

Job description

A mutually rewarding experience.

Work. Realize your ambitions. And realize there's more to being in business than just making a profit. That's the Mars philosophy. And the opportunity we offer every one of our Associates. An opportunity to take what you do and make it mean more for you, for those around you and for the planet. What you get here is challenging, interesting work. You get the tools you need to do a great job and you get to have the best possible people on your side to help you do it. And at the same time as getting to find ways to do business better today than we did it yesterday and driving a great career, you also get to build a more enlightened business and drive sustainability.

Because it's never just about a single person, a single project or a single brand. It's about how you can grab everything that's within your reach here and use it to pursue mutual, long-term gain. It's about having ideas. And ideals. Being prepared to risk failure because the promise of success means we'll all be a little better off. It's that mix of integrity and ambition that makes Mars such a special place to work. And why working here is always about more than just a job.

Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, operates six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 75,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital, CESAR®, SHEBA®, DREAMIES® and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® AND LIFESAVERS® mints. Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA® and WISDOM PANEL®.

Job Title Laboratory Technician

Segment Petcare

Function R&D

Location/Site Lewisburg Pet Health and Nutrition Center

Job Purpose/Overview

The jobholder will have responsibility for implementing a number of experimental procedures including perspective lab analysis in order to fulfil the appropriate components of the research plan. These activities must be performed to high standards and high quality so as to ensure data generated is appropriate for publication and presentation to the business as well as the wider scientific community.

Desired profile

Key Responsibilities

·  To run existing methodologies in the laboratory in adherence to Mars/Waltham/One Science standard of laboratory practice in order to provide data for delivery of the research plan
·  To support the Research Scientists in the validation of new methodologies. Provide input for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of relevant methodologies.
·  Ensure regular communication to the Research Scientist(s) of all information relevant to progress of the research.
·  To maintain an accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebook for all experimental work according to Mars/Waltham/One Science guidelines.
·  To ensure provision of resource required for performing appropriate experimental procedures, for example ordering consumables and sourcing other research materials.

Context and Scope

·  The position requires the jobholder to have experience in the application of a number of scientific procedures for delivery of their areas of the research plan. The experimental methods in use will often be technically demanding requiring considerable attention to detail. The ability to understand and apply the methods efficiently and effectively is of considerable importance. The job holder will take some responsibility in prioritizing the use of their time and experimental procedures will be carried out following discussion with the Research Scientist. The individual will be required to think independently and show sound judgement in the application of experimental work.
·  The jobholder will need to solve day to day problems as well as undertake new method development with the Research Scientists. The jobholder will be expected to develop a basic level of understanding of the research area in which they are operating in order to improve their appreciation of the work performed. It will be necessary for the jobholder to apply their knowledge and expertise to a number of research projects
·  The jobholder will collect and perform basic processing of data prior to presenting the data to the Laboratory Research Scientist in an appropriate form. Data handling and presentation will require the individual to be conversant with a number of computer software packages.
·  The jobholder must ensure that the laboratories in which they operate are maintained in a safe state and work is conducted to Mars/WCPN/One Science Laboratory Standards at all times. The jobholder will be responsible for writing IOPs for equipment under their control and train others in their use. The jobholder will be also be responsible for the maintenance of MSDS for their work in conjunction with the Laboratory Research Scientists. The individual will be responsible for the collation and communication of data relating to their work which may be required for the safe operation of the laboratories, e.g. waste disposal.
·  The jobholder will need to communicate clearly with all levels of associates as well as external contacts such as service engineers. The individual will also be required to communicate with established external contacts to facilitate progress of the experimental work.
·  The jobholder will be required to maintain a detail record of all of the experimental work they perform according to Mars/Waltham/One Science guidelines

Job Specifications/Qualifications

·  Have a BS or MS in biology, biochemistry, veterinary science, or another related field
·  Have laboratory experience at least >2 years.

Knowledge/Experience

·  Expertise in a number of relevant scientific methodologies is preferable although specific training can be given. Experience of working in a laboratory environment would be mandatory.
·  Have experience in clinical and cell based assays: cell culture technique, preferable knowledge in ELISA, FACS, cell-imaging, immunology and other relevant technologies.
·  Have experience within the field of animal nutrition or health
·  Have a pioneering spirit with a 'go-do-it' attitude
·  Be flexible, dynamic and able to work independently
·  Computer competency (Word, Excel, Power Point)
·  Provide documentation for the release of all studies and lab work in compliance with Mars safety and quality requirements

Key Supporting Competencies

·  Planning / Organizing
·  Priority Setting
·  Drive for results
·  Customer Focus
·  Problem Solving

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills

·  Research design and execution
·  Communication of research outcomes
·  Quality Assurance

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.