Position Overview:

The 2nd Shift Microbiologist will work, under minimal supervision of the Manager of Microbiology, on production of microorganisms. They will work in a hands-on capacity in the cGMP fermentation facility and be involved in the manufacture of Deerland’s proprietary microorganisms. They will be responsible for the fermentation equipment, including cleaning, preventative/routine maintenance, and optimization. They will participate in engineering initiatives as they pertain to the manufacturing facility and utility areas, including new equipment and/or systems installations, and equipment, systems, and process improvement initiatives. They will work to optimize fermentation process/output for Deerland Enzymes microorganisms while being responsible for trouble-shooting, management of change, deviations/CAPAs, and other technical documentation. He or she will maintain an accurate and timely record of test results, perform standard and complex laboratory procedures, and work collaboratively with various departments to compile, analyze, and interpret data.

The responsibilities of the Microbiologist include, but are not limited to the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare production media and buffers, sterilize equipment, operate fermenters, and perform seed scale-up from lab pilot to production scale as required.

• Ensure work is completed in compliance with approved SOPs, batch records, controlled documentation and all applicable regulations, guidelines, safety policies and procedures are followed; Must understand and comply with OSHA safety requirements

• Optimize any and all fermentation procedures.

• Research for better understanding of spores for the business.

• Perform weekly set-up, running, and breakdown of fermenters, including work in off hours

• Maintain and repair the fermentation systems and the supporting infrastructure as needed

• Participate in cleaning and equipment validation efforts as well as validation documentation (VRAs/VSAs, IOPQs, etc.) within a cGMP facility

• Investigate, troubleshoot, and create and develop new methods and technologies

• Author, review and revise deviations/CAPAs, manufacturing and process equipment documentation, and other technical documentation as necessary

• Perform standard and complex laboratory procedures while maintaining accurate and timely records of test results

• Work collaboratively with various departments to compile, analyze, and interpret data

• Assist in change controls associated with fermentation and support equipment, process, and utilities

• Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives

• Participate in production sustainability goals and seek out innovative solutions to not only ensure achievement but continually enhance fermentation/yield performance

• Sanitation and upkeep of all production facilities

• Train manufacturing associates as appropriate. Participate in cross-training initiatives

• Work with data capture systems to store data and metadata about the experiments

• Use data analysis tools to understand process variations and manage process controls, and to identify microbes with improved performance

• Ensure the accuracy of the warehouse inventory by maintaining accurate bin locations, managing the cycle count process as defined in the ERP system. Ensure counts are accurate and on-time according to plan

• Ensure that the shipping schedule is correctly implemented and report any deviations to Customer Service

• Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly warehouse area

• Must be able to lift at least 60lbs

• Must be able to tolerate the noise and odor that results from fermentation processes

General Responsibilities

• Fermentation

• Ensure that all production activities are conducted in alignment with safety, quality and sustainability initiatives

• Maintain integrity of the fermentation facility and ensure there is no cross-contamination

• Strong attention to detail in order to produce accurate, precise, and reproducible data

• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills

• Strong work ethic and prioritization skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license

• Develop and maintain proper bacterial management practices to ensure consistent fermentations that meet quality standards and keep pace with desired production goals.

• All other assigned duties

• Local travel: Occasional (25%)

• Out of state travel: Occasional (25%)

Education:

• Minimum – Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biology or equivalent; 0-1 years of related experience

• Preferred – Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biology or equivalent; 2+ years of related experience

Experience:

Required

• Proficient in MS office, excel, and power point
• Previous laboratory experience; basic laboratory skills (e.g. pipetting, weighing, dilutions, etc.)
• Previous fermentation experience (including centrifugation)

Preferred

• Knowledge of Quality Control and cGMP

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail skills

• Troubleshooting fermentation equipment

• Independent research projects

• Experience with any of the following: PCR, Real-Time PCR, microbial plating