Associate Fermentation Scientist

Department: Operations
Reports to: Pilot Plant Manager
Positions Supervised: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB
The Associate Fermentation Scientist will work as part of an interdisciplinary team focused on the implementation and improvement of CSL USA's culture production processes through media, fermentation, and downstream process development. Principal duties will include setup and operation of bioreactors, optimization of centrifugation, cryopreservation and freeze-drying, and process scale up as directed by the Pilot Plant Manager. In addition, the Associate Fermentation Scientist will assume a supporting role in all fermentation service activities including but not limited to, scheduling fermentations, communicating results, and proposing next steps in accordance with customer requests. This position is a key participant and must contribute in a fast paced, collaborative, and efficient team while exhibiting “Hungry, Humble, and Smart” qualities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the major functions of this position and are not intended to be a detailed description of all the work/functions that may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Follows operating discipline policies, principles, procedures, standards, and practices to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of assigned areas.
• Designs fermentation experiments to maximize strain yields, cell-count, and stability with support from Fermentation Scientist and Pilot Plant Manager.
• Responsible for the setup, operation, and disassembly of equipment for laboratory-scale fermentations including bioreactors, bench-top centrifuges, and freeze-dryers.
• Properly generates, records, and interprets data from laboratory-scale fermentations.
• Conducts sampling and testing of in-process, finished material, and stability samples generated by Pilot Lab.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve strain performance through analysis of laboratory and production data.
• Provides technical support and prepares presentations to facilitate scale-up of new manufacturing processes and changes with cross-functional teams.
• Supports technology transfer of fermentation processes to the Pilot Plant and manufacturing sites globally.
• Initiates and documents preliminary investigations in accordance with plant-specific processes and criteria.
• Occasionally prepares media for Pilot fermentations and sample analysis, including material verification, weighing, autoclaving, pouring, and dispensing.
• Complies with plant safety rules and maintains work area in a clean and orderly condition.
• Occasionally performs audits and maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Additional routine tasks may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food-science, biology, biochemistry, or chemistry from four-year college or university required; or two to four years related experience in a lab or food manufacturing facility and/or training; or equivalent combination.
• Knowledge and experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs); preferred
• Experience with designing, executing, and analyzing microbial fermentations; preferred