Fermentation Technician I

Job Description

Job Description

The Fermentation Technician supports day-to-day fermentation operations by preparing, inoculating, operating, sampling, monitoring, harvesting, and cleaning bench-scale fermenters. The position performs routine laboratory analyses, maintains accurate records, supports R&D experiments, and processes samples from production fermentation activities in accordance with established procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow established procedures to ensure consistent laboratory operations, maintain quality standards, and meet R&D and production sample-processing schedules.
• Set up, inoculate, operate, sample, monitor, harvest, and clean fermenters.
• Monitor fermentation conditions, including pH, dissolved oxygen, and feed additions.
• Maintain accurate batch records, fermentation logs, and maintenance records.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and prepare glassware, media, and other materials for upcoming experiments.
• Collect or receive, label, track, prepare, and perform routine analyses on samples from bench-scale fermenters and production vessels.
• Follow SOPs, safety requirements, and applicable GMP and quality procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Identify deviations and abnormal process or equipment conditions.
• Perform first-line equipment troubleshooting and approved routine maintenance; escalate repairs or complex equipment issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Calibrate, verify, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments.
• Execute assigned fermentation and laboratory activities under approved protocols and support scientists and engineers with experimental setup and data collection

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree or technical certificate in biotechnology, microbiology, bioprocessing, fermentation, or a related field preferred. Equivalent directly relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience preparing media, handling microbial cultures, pipetting, and preparing samples. Familiarity with fermenters and autoclaves and calibration of probes such as pH and DO is preferred.
• Accurate documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with other departments and team members.
• Must be able to learn to operate machinery systems safely.
• Ability to meet schedule requirements (Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 pm – 3:30 am) and work overtime as needed
• High ethical standards, trustworthiness, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• A sense of urgency, determination, and confidence to support the company’s mission.
• Basic machine maintenance skills, including replacing parts and using hand tools to perform approved routine repairs and adjustments.

COMPENSATION

The pay range for this position is $24.00/hr-$27.00/hr , depending on experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors.