Position Details

The Lab Technician – Application Development is an integral part of our Phibro Ethanol Application Development team based in St. Paul, Minnesota and will play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the lab. The Lab Technician – Application Development will be responsible for performing the general lab maintenance, cleaning, instrument calibration and metrology, and testing in the laboratory while ensuring compliance to departmental policies and procedures applicable to the lab. The Technician will facilitate timely completion of lab projects and testing by effectively managing resources, providing feedback, and communication with the other lab technicians, scientists, and the Director of Technology. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and record experiment samples, perform sample assays, perform data analysis and reporting, and maintain supply stocks
• Perform protocols for analysis of enzymes and physical properties of enzyme support samples
• Prepare media and reagents; Set up, operate, clean and maintain fermentation equipment at the bench and pilot plant scale
• Accurately and precisely prepare and analyze samples in complex matrices for HPLC.
• Equipment and glassware cleaning, assembly, and sterilization of laboratory equipment; routine operation of an autoclave
• Operation of bench fermentation and/or shake flask and supporting equipment systems
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Execution of experiment and sampling protocols (SOPs); provide feedback and improve experiment and sampling protocols while using
• Perform basic fermentation assays, including sugar measurements, micropipetting, dilutions, cell counts, sample preparation for GC, LC, accurate volumetric and gravimetric measurements.
• Stock lab supplies and order as necessary to ensure adequate supplies.
• Write, improve, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Document experimental runs by maintaining accurate and thorough records through electronic documentation.
• Write technical reports and prepare technical presentations to communicate results within team and occasionally across departments.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists or other team members for HPLC sample prep, analysis, and data reporting.

Key Competencies

Skills

Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent plus two to four years’ experience in general microbiology practices, chemistry, and/or fermentation are required. A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in biology, microbiology, technical services, laboratory services, or related field preferred.
• Preferred experience: aseptic technique, use of laminar flow hoods, use of autoclaves, serial dilutions, streak plates, membrane filter plating, light microscopy, cell counting by hemocytometer, gram staining, and cell culture maintenance.
• Experience in designing, performing, and analyzing data from fermentations at the bench scale in shake flasks or fermenters.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (proficiency with Excel in particular), Data Acquisition/Data Analysis Software and/or with database software
• Ability to identify errors or areas for improvement, provide recommendations and follow through tasks to completion.
• Ability to prepare and deliver information in a concise, accurate and professionally written format.
• Ability to follow recipes and/or SOPs using metric and English measuring units.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts and techniques.
• Flexible work hours and travel (~10% time annually) are required for this position.
• Demonstrated strong expertise in at microbial techniques and yeast fermentation.
• Ability to review data produced by lab.
• Knowledgeable in statistical techniques such as experimental design and data analysis

Physical Requirements