Lab Technician

Description du poste:

About the role:

As a Lab Technician, you will work at the heart of our quality assurance activities, where science and chocolate meet. This role goes beyond routine testing. You actively contribute to product quality, food safety and continuous improvement, from raw materials to finished chocolate products.
You will be part of a strong, multidisciplinary lab team covering microbiology, physico-chemical analysis and sensory evaluation, with a direct impact on quality standards and factory performance.

Key responsibilities:

* Perform PCR analyses on chocolate and environmental swabs and report results independently in SAP.

* Prepare, incubate and manage culture media and pre-enrichments.

* Execute Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP): swabs, air sampling, allergen and pathogen controls.

* Count and interpret microorganisms such as total viable count, coliforms, yeasts, moulds and Enterobacteriaceae.

* Analyze fat and sugar content using NIR technology.

* Perform rheology measurements and fineness analysis.

* Take and process internal samples.

* Participate daily in sensory panel sessions.

* Evaluate aroma, taste and texture of finished products.

* Monitor sensory trends and deviations.

* Support approval of ingredients and reworked products.

* Review and interpret analysis results; prepare certificates.

* Verify supplier documentation and follow up deviations.

* Actively contribute to internal audits (HACCP, food safety, sustainability).

* Support training of colleagues on analytical methods and quality procedures.

* Maintain contact with external laboratories.

About you:

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Sciences or equivalent experience.

* First experience in a laboratory or quality role is required.

* Experience with PCR, EMP and physico-chemical techniques is a strong advantage.

* Knowledge of HACCP, GMP and GFSI standards (FSSC 22000, BRC, etc.).

* Accurate, autonomous and proactive team player.

* Strong communication skills in Dutch, French and English.

We offer:

* 38 days of annual leave.

* Flexible working hours (starting between 7:30 and 9:30), working 7h45 per day.

* Meal allowance - EUR10 per worked day.

* Eco-cheques - EUR250 per year for ecological purchases.

* Transport allowance.

* Bicycle allowance - EUR0.37 per km.

* Group insurance (pension & risk coverage).

* Health insurance for you and your family.

* Dental care for you and your family.

* A high-tech working environment where science and passion for chocolate truly come together.

* Training, development opportunities and a strong knowledge-sharing team culture.

* An international company with the atmosphere of a close-knit local team.

* And plenty of chocolate 🍫

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we've experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.
If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here.
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