Position Details

The Virus Production Lead Tech is an integral part of our Virus Production team, under supervision of the Virus Production Manager grows cells and virus cultures used in the manufacture of viral vaccines. This includes cell passages, viral inoculations, viral harvests and viral inactivation’s. Adherence to all USDA regulations. This position may require evening, weekend and holiday scheduling. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Key Responsibilities

Perform lab procedures in an aseptic environment, cell passages, daily cell counts/calculations, new cell stock freeze down, environmental air testing, chemical inventory, virus antigen production including inoculation, harvest and inactivation of virus cultures, lab maintenance, disposes waste, maintains sufficient lab supplies, routine equipment monitoring/cleaning, daily JDE entries, and environmental monitoring. Prepare media used for growth of cells and/or virus using calibrated vessels, pipettes, graduated cylinders and scales. Pull cells from frozen inventory to start production run. Freezer/cooler inventory. Complete all batch records/other required documentation. Check for expired reagents/ disposes of. Order new equipment/department components. Understand and follow all safety guidelines and procedures. Preparation of SOP’s/training of new personnel. Manage individual schedules/assigned lab work. Data entry. Long periods of standing while wearing aseptic apparel which may include TyVek suit and respirator. Equipment/process improvements in order to increase efficiency or improve safety practices. Familiarity with basic lab equipment such as microscopes, pH machines, pippettors, and scales preferred.

Key Competencies

Skills

Education & Experience

Education and/or Experience:  Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline. One or more year(s) experience working in a scientific field. Minimum: Associate degree in a scientific discipline with one or more years’ experience working in a scientific field.

Reasoning Ability:  Ability to listen and interpret instructions provided in written, oral or schedule form. Ability to define and solve practical problems.

Skills:  Ability to read, analyze and interpret in the English language. Proficient writing and organization skills required to document procedures and track documentation. Knowledge of basic math required. Familiarity with scientific notation and metric system preferred. Ability to use Microsoft Excel.

Physical Demands: Must be able to stand and bend for long periods. Lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs. and maneuver carts weighing up to 110 lbs. occasionally. Will be required to lift a negligible amount of weight frequently or constantly. Must be able to stoop, reach, stand, walk, grasp and perform repetitive motions during shift.  Requires good eyesight for measurements and hand eye coordination for manipulation of roller bottles.

Work Environment:  Work is in an aseptic area requiring aseptic apparel such as sterile gown and/or TyVek suit. Use of a respirator may be required.

Physical Requirements