Fermentation Technician

Job Title: Fermentation Technician
Location: Indianapolis, IN 46077
Duration: 12 months (Extension possible)
 
Description:

• Weekly Schedule (how many hours/days): 40 hours + OT, Required weekend work 2x/month
• Shift: Days
• Interview required? Yes - Traditionally a two stage. Teams call with managers, then teams or on site with lab.
• Resume required? Yes - Please include if they are a US Citizen and if not, confirm their Home Country so we can verify eligibility (based on access to trade secrets. See Citizenship notes below)
• Any additional Medical Surveillance testing required? - No
• Any exposure to common allergens? - Nuts, Plants, Chemicals, Latex
• We are looking for someone in the range of fresh out of school to a maximum of 5 years experience. This remains an entry level position so we don’t want someone with a lot of previous experience who may be over-qualified or would become bored as they are learning the ropes. A Bachelors degree, or Associates degree is what we are looking for.
• If someone is planning on taking time off work for school or something, about the most we can offer is about a half day once a week for dedicated class time. That kind of time (4 hours give or take) can be made up by coming in early, staying late on other days or by taking a weekend shift. Any more time than that has them out of the lab enough that it becomes untenable.
• Citizenship: Due to the nature of our laboratory, we have certain restrictions on who can access our documentation due to federal regulations related to export control. Candidate should preferably be a US Citizen, or be a member of a specific group of countries, due to these restrictions.

 
Spotlight Call 2/2/23 Notes:

• Pilot Scale Fermentation Lab / Chemical Production Lab
• 80%-90% Lab work + some documentation
• Entry Level position - they will start by washing glassware, prepping various assemblies then move to train on more complex solutions.
• Masters candidates would be overqualified.
• Some lab experience is highly preferred (5-10 years is too many, they may be bored).
• Strong Science background required & interest highly preferred. Biology / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Microbiology / Organic Chemistry / Physics
• Familiarity with hand tools would be a plus as they do their own equipment repairs.
• Self-Starter as there is always something to do.
• Schedule is a little flexible - start 7:30am - must be in before 8:30am Team Meeting - shift end 4:00p-5:30pm
• 1-3 weekend days per month - shifts are 2-4 hours sampling & modifications - not necessarily OT as they could possibly choose to leave early during the week.
• Likely to extend past 1 year - not a seasonal role.
• Training is extensive and complete program takes minimum 6 years.
• Level 0 - Initial meetings with manager
• Level 1: 1 year - in the lab; always with a partner.
• Level 2: + 2-3 years
• Level 3: + 2-3 years

 
Technical Job Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of fermenter operations, including sterilization, troubleshooting and repair, inoculation, cell growth and feeding, harvesting, cell de-vitalization, and cleaning.
• Apply advanced sterile techniques for inoculating and sampling shake flasks.
• Conduct fermenter sampling and monitoring during routine work hours.
• Operate autoclaves and handle acid/base mixing safely and efficiently.
• Perform off-line sample analyses using laboratory equipment such as viscometers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable operation.

 
General Performance Expectations

• Independently schedule and manage work tasks to align with team objectives and project goals.
• Execute research tasks according to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and identify opportunities for SOP improvements.
• Adapt procedures as needed, with guidance, to achieve experimental objectives.
• Operate laboratory equipment according to SOPs, recognize equipment malfunctions, and perform routine maintenance.
• Develop specialized expertise in key areas relevant to the job assignment.
• Document experimental work consistently using appropriate data collection tools and maintain accurate lab records.
• Identify and address deviations from expected results, and contribute experimental data to technology reports.
• Manage laboratory supply orders, including receipt and stocking of materials.
• Collaborate with management to identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved material usage.
• Proactively suggest process or experimental design enhancements, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Six Sigma projects.
• Actively contribute to team workload management and demonstrate behaviors that foster team performance.

 
Computer Skills

• Demonstrate proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

 
Notes to Recruiting:
While this is a laboratory position, there are also mechanical/maintenance elements to the role. For example, the technician will work on and replace valves on the bioreactors and will perform maintenance tasks. This position is not working at the Scientists level.
  

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. The pay rate for this position is $23.00/hr.