Lab Technician

Newport Laboratories is seeking an experienced individual to join the Research and Development Team as a Lab Technician. Newport Labs, located in Worthington, Minnesota, is a leading provider of USDA autogenous vaccines and diagnostic services, and was recently acquired by Vaxxinova (more information below).

About the role

The Lab Technician, reporting to the Research and Development Team Leader, is responsible for supporting the R&D team in addressing the needs of the company thru experimentation, testing, collecting, and analysis of data. This role will also assist in the coordination and execution of departmental projects as well as provide technical support in the development and support of vaccine products; including but not limited to antigen discovery, formulation, process development, assay development, and efficacy studies

Main responsibilities:

• Conduct assigned projects, experiments, or departmental activities to meet project goals and timelines.
• Handle multiple projects using effective time management.
• Participate in diverse laboratory projects and experiments, potentially from molecular biology to qualitative assays to animal research scale.
• Collect, maintain, and organize data in an electronic laboratory notebook, bench record, animal record, electronic project database, and/or production record.
• Assist in the analysis of data, results, and provide input for projects.
• Attends team meetings to share data/results in the form of written or oral reports
• General laboratory maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and disinfection, ordering, material organization, basic equipment and instrument maintenance, documentation, and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Promote safety in all areas of work, professional courtesy, and a positive work environment within the company

Qualifications and Capabilities

• Requires extensive knowledge of laboratory functions, acquaintance with and general understanding of detailed aspects of lab equipment and processes.
• Operational knowledge of FSA, USDA, EU, and EPA regulations preferred
• Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, and virology (theory and application)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrates excellent verbal, written, and record keeping skills
• Ability to work in a laboratory handling animal and zoonotic pathogens in a biosafety level 2 environment
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems.
• Ability to life up to 50 lbs. on occasion
• Experience in veterinary biologics, animal experiments, and 9CFR (101-123) USDA guidelines for vaccine production and testing is preferred
• Four (4) year degree in microbiology or related field required
• One (1) to two (2) years laboratory experience required
• Previous experience working with animals preferred

Benefits at Newport Laboratories:

We are proud to offer a generous benefit package in addition to competitive compensation. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a Health Savings Account with company match, 401K plan with company match, PTO accrual, holiday pay, short and long term disability, and company paid life insurance.

About Newport Labs and Vaxxinova

Newport Labs is a leading manufacturer of Custom Made Vaccines (autogenous biologics) and has a long reputation of excellent customer service based on trust, integrity and a philosophy of partnering with veterinarians to identify and address cattle diseases.

Newport Laboratories was acquired by Vaxxinova in October 2021. Vaxxinova International is headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Vaxxinova has a global network of production, R&D, and/or diagnostic facilities in 9 countries: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Chile and two locations in the US (Willmar and Worthington, Minnesota). Vaxxinova products and services are available in more than 60 countries. Worldwide, Vaxxinova is a growing company with a staff of over 1,000 people.

Vaxxinova is part of the family-owned EW Group. The EW Group is based in Germany and is specialized in animal genetics, animal nutrition and animal health, with a globally dominant position in poultry genetics. The EW Group operates in over 100 countries and records consistent international growth. Its positive outlook and global orientation have led to an independent and significantly stable position in the market and a steady expansion.