About Primient

Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We’re investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we’re focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.

About the Role

Primient customers trust us to provide high quality ingredients for their manufacturing processes. Our Quality team leads on key strategic and process initiatives to strengthen our standards even further and ensure we maintain key accreditations.

This position will support the activities of the Decatur-based Central Quality Control (CQC) Microbiology Lab and will report to the Central Quality Control Microbiology Laboratory Manager.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

This position will support the activities of the Decatur-based Central Quality Control (CQC) Microbiology Lab and will report to the Central Quality Control Microbiology Laboratory Manager.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

The scope of this job includes microbiological analysis of process and finished product samples, as well as, environmental samples.  This job may also include supporting other Quality labs as needed.  Equipment utilized includes, but is not limited to: Biomerieux VIDAS, VITEK, TEMPO, pH meter, microscope, and vacuum filtration systems.  The data generated is used to support the manufacturing processes and for quality control of finished products. Data entry may be made into SAP, MDE, and electronic Logbook.  Data sharing is also conducted by hard copy, phone, or Excel spreadsheets.  This position requires rotating 12 hours shifts and shift flexibility to cover vacations and other absences.

Requirements:

• Comply with all  EHSQ (Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality) policies, procedures and regulations relevant to the Site.
• Learn, understand, and participate in the established Quality System to maintain ISO 17025 standards in the microbiology laboratory.
• Prepare a variety of media and reagents to be used in both the microbiological analysis.
• Perform quality control evaluations on the all media & reagents received and prepared in-house.  
• Prepare test samples utilizing microbiological techniques according to established procedures, including sample pick-up (where applicable), sample check-in/logging, compositing, test set-up, test transfers, and result analysis/reporting.  
• Post information in SAP, MDE, Electronic Logbook, and Excel spreadsheets
• Timely clear and accurate recording of lab activities.
• Verify and review data entries and maintain data & sample retention 
• Maintain/verify calibration of laboratory equipment and report deficiencies/malfunctions to the Quality Manager. 
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked lab.
• Write and/or update Test Methods and/or SOP, as requested.
• Identify, record, and help correct nonconformities and potential nonconformities, as applicable. 
• Participate in on-going and annual training, test method/SOP reviews, and proficiency testing as requested by Quality Manager. 

PERFORANCE MEASURES

Key metrics include:

• Active participation in Safety Programs
• Support  ISO 17025 accreditation by following the Quality Manual, Test Methods and SOP’s
• Support any incoming projects for the Quality Micro Lab.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

COMPETENCIES

• Educational and practical microbiology foundation

QUALIFICATIONS

Four-year college degree with technical training in microbiology, biological, physical or engineering sciences or associates degree (or equivalent) with 5 years proven experience.

• Proven technical skills including experience with microbiology laboratory work
• Experience with laboratory methodology and equipment
• Ability and willingness to follow established Quality Manual, Test Methods, and SOP’s
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with attention to detail, quality, and accuracy
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and adapt to changing procedures
• Good troubleshooting skills, ability to work well with others, excellent communication and computer skills, a customer focus with understanding of customer needs, and able to lift 50 lbs.

EXPERIENCE

• Aseptic techniques
• Standard microbiology culture procedures. 
• GLP’s

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

• Dedication to safety and commitment to making safety a number one priority
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with attention to detail, quality, and accuracy
• Excellent communication and computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Office)
• Experience with laboratory methodology and equipment.

Total Rewards

Starting pay of $73,840.00 annually + overtime with opportunity to advance with our pay for skill system.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• Competitive Pay​

• Multiple Healthcare plan choices​

• Dental and vision insurance​

• A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions ​

• Short- and Long-Term Disability​

• Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans​

• Paid holidays & vacation​

• Floating days off​

• Parental leave for new parents​

• Employee resource groups​

• Learning & development programs​

• Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future

Career Path & Culture

Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning.

Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow,

Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.