QA Lab Technician & Formulation Assistant

Hydrofarm LLC is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled

Job Overview:

The QA Lab Specialist & FormulationAssistant will play a critical role in supporting the quality assuranceprocesses by conducting laboratory tests and ensuring compliance with productspecifications and regulatory standards. In addition, this role will assist theR&D team with formulation development and testing for plant nutrient andgrow media products. This position requires a hands-on approach in both qualitycontrol and R&D functions, working in a lab setting. Interviews will be held beginning in November.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance (QA) Lab Technician:

Conduct routine testing of raw materials,in-process samples, and finished products, ensuring they meet required qualitystandards.

Perform physical, chemical, andmicrobiological tests, such as pH, nutrient content, viscosity, moisturecontent, etc.

Prepare and maintain accurate records oflaboratory results, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.

Support the investigation of qualityissues, non-conformances, and customer complaints by conducting additionaltesting and assisting with root cause analysis (RCA).

Assist in developing and updating StandardOperating Procedures (SOPs) for lab operations and QA processes.

Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipmentregularly to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

Conduct stability and shelf-life testing onproducts to monitor quality over time.

Assist with quality inspections duringproduction runs and report any deviations from the set quality parameters.

Collaborate with the production team toensure products meet all quality requirements before final release.

Ensure proper labeling, handling, anddisposal of hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.

Formulation Assistant:

Assist the R&D team in the preparation,testing, and refinement of plant nutrient formulations, including liquid anddry products.

Perform small-scale mixing, blending, andbatch preparations under the direction of the Formulation Chemist.

Conduct initial lab trials to test newformulations, recording observations, and documenting results.

Collect and analyze data from tests toassist in optimizing formulations for performance, stability, and regulatorycompliance.

Assist with scaling up lab formulations forpilot and full-scale production, ensuring quality and consistency throughoutthe process.

Work on cross-functional projects,including assisting with new product development and improvement of existingformulations.

Maintain proper documentation of allformulation work, including batch sheets, testing protocols, and formulationadjustments.

Support inventory management of laboratoryraw materials and supplies.

Qualifications:

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degreein Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field preferred.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in alab setting.

Skills:

Strong knowledge of laboratory techniquesand practices.

Experience with lab equipment such as pHmeters, conductivity meters, titration equipment, moisture analyzers, andspectrometers, HPLC.

Basic understanding of plant nutrientformulations and raw materials.

Excellent attention to detail and abilityto follow precise instructions.

Strong organizational skills with theability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Ability to work both independently and in ateam setting.

Strong communication skills, both writtenand verbal.

Knowledge of safety protocols for handlingchemicals and hazardous materials.

Able to stand, reach, bend, crouch, duckand lift up to 60 lbs as necessary.

Travel required 10-20%.

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