**Laboratory Lead (Zona Franca, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia)** **Position Summary**: The **Laboratory Lead** is responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow, maintaining quality standards, and supporting laboratory technicians. This role provides guidance in laboratory procedures, coordinates testing activities, and ensures compliance with established protocols. The **Laboratory Lead** works closely with the **QC Manager and Laboratory Supervisor** to maintain laboratory efficiency while performing routine testing and analysis. **Job Status**: - Full-Time - Hourly - Non-Exempt - Reports to**:Laboratory Supervisor or QC Manager** **Role Responsibilities**: **1. Laboratory Operations Support** - Assist in **coordinating daily laboratory activities** to ensure timely and accurate sample testing. - Monitor laboratory workflows and provide guidance to technicians as needed. - Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols. - Help maintain a **clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment**. - Support **shift transitions** by communicating ongoing work and upcoming tasks to the next team. **2. Sample and Testing Management** - Perform **routine analytical and physical testing** following established laboratory protocols. - Support **sample preparation, labeling, and tracking** to maintain accurate records. - Ensure proper **documentation and data entry** for all tests performed. - Assist in troubleshooting minor issues with analytical instruments and escalating larger concerns to the **Laboratory Supervisor**. **3. Quality Control and Compliance** - Help review **test results for accuracy and compliance** with laboratory standards. - Ensure laboratory procedures align with customer-specific protocols and regulatory requirements. - Assist with **maintaining inventory** of laboratory supplies and reagents. - Monitor sample retain areas and ensure proper storage of samples. **4. Training and Technical Support** - Provide **basic training and guidance** to new laboratory technicians on testing procedures. - Ensure that all lab personnel follow proper safety and handling protocols. - Assist in the documentation of **training materials and updated SOPs**. - Support **continuous improvement initiatives** in laboratory efficiency and accuracy. **Education**: - High School Diploma or GED required. - Associate’s or **Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related field** preferred. **Experience / Skills / Abilities**: - 2+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in **quality control or analytical testing**. - Basic knowledge of **analytical instruments** (e.g., GC, HPLC, spectrophotometry) is a plus. - Strong **organizational and multitasking** abilities. - Proficiency in **Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)** and laboratory data entry systems. - Strong attention to **detail and accuracy** in data recording and sample tracking. - Ability to **troubleshoot minor laboratory issues** and assist technicians as needed. - Good **communication and teamwork** skills to coordinate effectively with lab personnel and supervisors. **Job Expectations / Working Conditions**: **Physical Requirements**: - Prolonged standing and **working in a laboratory environment**. - Repetitive hand movements for handling laboratory equipment and samples. - Occasional lifting of materials up to **20 pounds**. - Ability to **bend, reach, squat, pull, and push** in a lab setting. **Work Environment**: - Laboratory and manufacturing facility setting. - Exposure to **chemicals, solvents, and laboratory equipment** (with proper PPE provided). - Controlled temperature and humidity environments. - Potential **noise from analytical instruments**. **Additional Expectations**: - Availability for **shift coverage and occasional weekend work** as needed. - Commitment to following **safety and compliance** standards at all times. - Willingness to support **urgent testing requests** and adjust work priorities as necessary.