Laboratory Training Specialist (Chicago, IL)

We understand that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and that’s why we’re inspired to make A Better World for Pets.

Antech is comprised of a diverse team of individuals who are committed to each other’s growth and development. Our culture is centered on our guiding philosophy, The Five Principles : Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom.

Today Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Science & Diagnostics , a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.

Current Associates will need to apply through the internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on Menu or View All Apps, select the Jobs Hub app, then click the magnifying glass to Browse Jobs.

Work Type : This is an On-Site role based out of our Laboratory located in Oak Brook, IL.

The Target Pay Range for this position is $70,620-$88,000 annually. At Antech, pay decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, education, training and budget.

PURPOSE OF JOB :

Laboratory Training Specialist is responsible for helping to design and deliver laboratory training and evaluating the effectiveness of training initiatives.

Responsible for implementing and sustaining laboratory training and developmental programs. Helps to develop and implement site strategy for laboratory training across all positions.

Implements training across all job titles in assigned laboratory or laboratories.

Using your training and development skills and experience, you'll help execute Antech’s Laboratory training strategy, oversee its implementation, and assess the outcomes.

You will execute our train-the-trainer strategy and follow up to ensure the training protocol is followed. You will assist in identifying training needs and suggest developing new training initiatives using adult learning principles.

Some focus areas include collaborating with the P&O team and department supervisors to pick up where the onboarding / orientation process leaves off and execute the new hire training and Antech laboratory succession planning certifications.

Topics include Safety Training, Quality Training, Technical Training, Instructional Job Training, and Continuous Improvement Training.

This role will partner full-time with lab leadership to develop a learning culture and improve productivity. As most Reference Lab work is done on the 3rd shift, the Lab Training Specialist must be willing and able to work nights and be flexible to cover various shifts depending on priorities.

In addition, the Training Specialist may be expected to travel about 50% throughout the year to support other or smaller labs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ALL STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Facilitates training sessions across all laboratory departments, including Job Instruction Training (JIT) for all hourly jobs based on SOPs, including the JIT manual, training outlines, and qualification checklists for all positions.
• Executes the Train-the-trainer strategy and acts as the training Subject matter expert in the lab.
• Understands the site’s training needs, keeps informed of best practices within the industry, and executes best practice training system for laboratory personnel on site
• Delivers training using the most efficient & effective training methods and modalities based on unique department needs.
• Maintains accurate training records.
• Collaborates with manager and teammates to ensure consistency and accuracy across learning materials.
• Executes the training so learning objectives are met, and intended outcomes are delivered.
• Provides feedback on the effectiveness of learner materials for enhancing learner engagement.
• Provides feedback & coaching to staff.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

• Adjust delivery of materials based on real-time feedback and lessons learned to continuously improve the quality of training and development curriculum.
• Advise Instructional Designers and managers to enhance, modify, and consolidate existing learning materials.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

• Collaborate with the Learning Management System administrators to appropriately assign, track and measure the completion of learning materials.
• Collaborate with Antech Training Teams using Teams, Cornerstone on Demand (ALU), SharePoint, Articulate, and other learning and development platforms.
• As new technologies are implemented and existing technologies refined, upgrade your own skills and those of employees impacted.

TEAM EXECUTION

• Coordinate schedules and activities to ensure laboratory employees are moving along their learning path, including the execution of certifications to move to the next level.
• Evaluates lab team performance and previously defined learning outcomes to ensure the incorporation of taught techniques.
• Recommends training plans for employee improvement and collaborates with supervisor to coach staff per plan.
• Execute against training / onboarding calendars and subjects involved, meeting timelines and deadlines.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE :

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Business Management, Communications, Learning and Development or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of training or related laboratory experience.
• 5+ years of experience in the animal health / veterinary lab or related field (highly preferred).
• Experience with learning management systems desired.
• Additional certifications in training a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills with extreme attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to achieve planned results.
• Ability to teach one-on-one and in groups.
• Resiliency & flexibility to work in a fast-paced, customer-service-driven environment.
• Ability to facilitate classes, discussions, projects, and online learning.
• Knowledge of animal healthcare laboratories, customers, and trends.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and mentoring others.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels.
• Committed team player who can work with the general direction.
• Willingness and aptitude to learn new systems and applications as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• If a shared resource, the ability to travel 50% or more of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The associate is regularly required to apply manual dexterity, including hand / wrist flexibility, for computer keyboarding & lab work.

The associate is frequently required to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The associate is frequently required to hear and speak to use the telephone, make presentations, and communicate with people in an office environment.

The associate is occasionally required to sit, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch. The associate must occasionally lift and move up to 15 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The associate will primarily work in a typical laboratory environment, including lab equipment, computers, and overhead lighting.

Temperature extremes will be minimal to nonexistent.

Antech offers an industry competitive benefits package and continues to invest in and evolve benefits programs that meet the health, wellness and financial needs of our associates.

All Full-time associates are eligible for the following benefits and more :

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available)

Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life

Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)

Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Accounts

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with company match

Tuition / Continuing Education Reimbursement

Life Assistance Program

Pet Care Discounts

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at .