Title: Fermentation Technician - Bioprocess R&D
Location: Indiana-Indianapolis
Dow AgroSciences is seeking a proficient Fermentation Technician to support its Fermentation Development Group to enable Dow AgroSciences to deliver against its ambitious growth strategy, especially in Agro-Biotechnology. This position is considered as an experienced position within our fermentation development group, starting with the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of SIP (sterilize in place) bioreactors with the opportunity for exposure and involvement in fermentation research.
Dow AgroSciences, LLC, is a top tier agricultural company providing innovative crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seed, and agricultural biotechnology solutions to serve the world's growing population. We do this through a people-centric performance culture, through our commitments to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, and through collaborations with world-class institutions.
Key Responsibilities:
* Operate Sartorius Biostat C bioreactors to support the study and optimization of fermentation for the production of secondary metabolites.
* Daily operation of lab for fermentation studies - media preparation, lab and equipment maintenance, sampling, and sample analysis.
* Participate in weekend and off hour fermentation monitoring and sampling
* Work on multiple projects in a highly collaborative environment.
* Develop a thorough understanding of equipment operation while consistently adhering to the highest level of safe operating discipline.
* Operate effectively in a laboratory environment through a basic knowledge of microbiological (including the ability to operate with good sterile technique) & biochemical laboratory principles.
* Develop an understanding of fermentation process development requirements
* Order laboratory consumables. Handle receipt and stocking of materials and supplies.
Specific Technical Job Responsibilities:
* Is responsible for the full operation of fermentors (sterilization of fermentor contents, fermentor repair and troubleshooting, inoculation, cell growth/feeding, harvest, de-vitalization of cells, fermentor cleaning)
* Direct experience with the operation and maintenance of Sartorius Biostat C fermentors is a must
* Possesses a high level of sterile technique including the ability to inoculate shake flasks and samples shake flasks in a sterile manner
* Performs fermentor sampling and monitoring during non-routine work hours
* Operates autoclave and mixes chemicals in a safe manner
* Performs off-line sample analysis that involves the use of the following equipment: HPLC, viscometer, centrifuge, spectrophotometer, and pH meter
* Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment (HPLC, NOVA) to ensure accurate operation.
Basic Responsibilities
* Schedules and manages own work tasks in alignment with the overall team plan of work and project goals.
* Independently performs research tasks according to standard operating procedures.
* With guidance, can adapt operating procedures as needed to meet experimental objectives.
* Operates relevant lab equipment based on standard operating procedures.
* Can recognize equipment malfunctions and understands basic, routine maintenance.
* Documents work consistently using appropriate data collection tools.
* Recognizes when results deviate from expectations.
* Makes disciplined use of lab data book and can contribute to technology reports with experimental data.
* Assumes responsibility for ordering of laboratory supplies. Handles receipt and stocking of materials and supplies.
* Demonstrates proficiency in the use of basic computer skills including MS Office platforms such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
* Uses these skills to make graphs and contribute to technology reports on a regular basis.
* Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams in a complex environment.
The position is located in Dow AgroSciences headquarter in Indianapolis/IN on its modern and expanding campus with many amenities like health club, cafeteria, bank etc.The Dow family of companies are an equal opportunity employer offering excellent career opportunities, as well as competitive compensation and benefits package.
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Associates or Bachelors degree, or equivalent college experience is required.
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Minimum of 3 months hands on experience with 2 liter (small scale) fermenters/bioreactors highly desired.
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High level of independence and initiative is highly desired.
* Minimum 3 months hands on experience with RAMOS (Respiratory Activity Monitoring System) is highly desired.
