Fermentation Technician

Job Title: Fermentation Technician

Location: Indianapolis IN

Duration: Contract - 12 months, likely to extend

Schedule: Day shift. Start as early as 7:30 a.m.; must attend 8:30 a.m. team meeting. Typical end 4:00-5:30 p.m.

40 hours per week plus overtime as needed. Required weekend work 1-3 days per month for 2-4 hour sampling and adjustments.

80-90% hands-on lab work with supporting documentation.

Job Description

Hands-on laboratory experience, strong science fundamentals, and the ability to learn and execute standard operating procedures while growing into more complex operations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee fermenter operations, including sterilization, troubleshooting and repair, inoculation, growth and feeding, harvesting, de vitalization, and cleaning.
• Apply sterile techniques for inoculating and sampling shake flasks and fermenters.
• Operate autoclaves and handle acid/base mixing safely and efficiently.
• Perform off-line analyses using viscometers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and routine repairs on lab equipment and bioreactor components, including valves.
• Document work accurately, maintain lab records, and support inventory and material management.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Physics).
• Entry-level laboratory experience and familiarity with sterile technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs, document results, and recognize equipment malfunctions.
• Mechanical aptitude with hand tools for routine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience level: 0-5 years. Masters-level candidates may be overqualified for this role.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in pilot-scale fermentation or production lab environments.
• Exposure to continuous improvement practices, including Six Sigma participation.