Position Details

The Lab Technician 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 Laboratory Services. 

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare media; Set up, operate, clean and maintain fermentation equipment at the bench and pilot plant scale
• Collect and record experiment samples, perform sample assays, perform data analysis and reporting, and maintain supply stocks
• Receive, log, and process samples and kits for technical customer service
• Perform protocols for chemical extraction, rotary evaporation, and bioassays for antimicrobials
• 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
• Medium preparation, filtration and/or in situ sterilization
• Operation of bench and pilot plant fermentation and/or shake flask and supporting equipment systems
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Flexible work hours and travel (~10% time annually) are required for this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

Physical Requirements