Position Details

The Virus Tech 1 is an integral part of our Virus team based out of our Phibro Vaccine Omaha Office in Omaha, NE. The Virus Tech is responsible for growing cells and virus cultures used in the manufacture of viral vaccines. This includes cell passages, viral inoculations, viral harvests and viral inactivations. All work is performed with strict adherence to company SOP’s and USDA regulations. This position may require evening, weekend and holiday scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory procedures in an aseptic environment according to and in compliance with all Sop’s and Outlines of Production.
• Prepares media used for growth of cells and/or virus using calibrated vessels, pipettes, graduated cylinders, and scales.
• Performs cell passages in roller bottles as per SOP so adequate cells are available for production of virus cultures.  
• Performs all aspects of virus antigen production including inoculation, harvest and inactivation of virus cultures.
• Accurately completes all batch records and other required documentation.
• Checks for expired reagents and disposes of expired reagents as per approved procedures.
• Performs laboratory maintenance, disposes waste as appropriate, keeps area neat and clean. Maintains sufficient laboratory supplies on hand. Documents cleaning performed as per SOP.
• Performs routine equipment monitoring and cleaning and documentation as stated by SOP.
• Understand and follow all safety guidelines and procedures.
• Assist in preparation of SOP’s and training of new personnel
• Manages individual schedule and assigned lab work
• Performs environmental monitoring of area as required.
• Data entry in an accurate and timely manner as required.
• Laboratory may require long periods of standing while wearing aseptic apparel which may include TyVek suit and respirator.
• Recommend equipment and process improvements in order to increase efficiency or improve safety practices.
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment such as microscopes, pH machines, pipettors, and scales preferred.

Key Competencies

Skills

Education & Experience

• Education and/or Experience: Preferred: Bachelor degree in a scientific discipline. One or more year(s) experience working in a scientific field. Minimum: Associates 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.
• Decision Making Responsibilities: Calculate media requirements for cell passage and/or Virus propagation. Verify that equipment is available to complete assigned tasks. Ability to schedule assigned tasks in an efficient manner while adhering to trafficking protocols. Determine if Virus antigen has reached optimal harvest point. Determine if cells have reached sufficient growth for expansion. Recognize and report any questionable issues/events that might arise. 
• 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 preferred.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to stand and bend for long periods. Lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs. and occasionally maneuver carts weighing up to 110 lbs.. 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 aseptic area requiring aseptic apparel such as sterile gown and/or Ty Vek Suit.  Use of a respirator may be required.

Physical Requirements