Fermentation Lab Tech - Xanthan Gum

Reporting to the Fermentation Manager the job holder is ensures optimization of the fermentation process ensuring all quality and production parameters are maintained while working in a safe manner. Ensuring optimization of the fermentation process and contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a safe workplace will contribute to the success of the company.

Qualified and experienced applicants for this position only are asked to email their resume and cover letter to: [email protected]. Only eligible Canadian citizens and those with valid PR cards will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict adherence to all established health, safety, and security policies and procedures. Conduct routine inspections of the laboratory areas with a focus on safety, environmental impact, and equipment functionality to ensure compliance and proactively address any potential hazards to provide a safe working environment for all personnel. Participate in all assigned training.
• Embody the company’s core values in everyday work. Demonstrate Curiosity by proactively seeking new knowledge, asking insightful questions, and embracing opportunities to learn and innovate. Exhibit Courage by confidently sharing ideas, addressing challenges directly, and supporting change within the organization. Show Care through attention to detail, commitment to quality, and a genuine concern for the well-being of colleagues, customers, and the community. Foster Collaboration by working effectively with others, sharing expertise, and building strong partnerships across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Strictly follow all SOPs, work instructions, rules, procedures, and regulatory requirements as defined for the safe and efficient operation of the production process.
• Perform all tasks following strict aseptic techniques, including performing work within a biological safety cabinet.
• Work with the Fermentation Manager to ensure the correct number of laboratory fermenters are prepared each week with the appropriate strains.
• Inoculate and monitor cultures on agar plates, agar slant tubes, in shake flasks and in 10L lab fermenters to ensure successful transfer of cells to the production fermenters.
• Prepare and maintain master cell banks and working cell banks whenever required.
• Conduct routine microbiological testing including spread plating on all fermentation samples, scatter plating on finished product, as well as viability plating for purification. Complete 4-quadrant and single streak plating when required. Ensure all plating is completed using aseptic techniques.
• Interpret and report all plating results. Report contamination immediately to the Fermentation Manager.
• Perform daily microscopic analysis of the fermentation broth. Report any visible contamination to the Fermentation Manager and record results in a timely manner into PAXAN.
• Support and assist with the implementation of new testing methods where required.
• Interpret and report all chemical testing results. Report any deviations immediately to the Fermentation Manager.
• Monitor and manage all laboratory supplies – ensure min/max lists are being followed. Perform routine maintenance tasks on equipment within the fermentation laboratory.
• Complete assembly, sterilization, set-up, inoculation, monitoring, sampling, cleaning, and disassembly of 10L lab fermenters. Capable of lifting 25-30kg.
• Collection and processing of sterile samples from running laboratory fermenters.
• Inoculation of plant pre-fermenters with 10L lab fermenters when required.
• Maintain, calibrate, record, and verify all laboratory equipment according to FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 standards. Ensure all equipment operates within the defined performance specifications. Report any deviations immediately to the Fermentation Manager.
• Monitor and manage critical systems including the lab fermenter air dryer, air filters, HVAC system, autoclaves, and water supply system for the lab fermenters.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date logs of all results and statuses within PAXAN, complete daily shift logs including daily activities, production metrics, equipment parameters.
• Wear and properly use all required PPE as directed.
• Promptly report all anomalies or deviations in the process to the Fermentation Manager. Work collaboratively to resolve issues.
• Maintain the laboratory fermenter clean room in a sterile condition. Perform regular sterility checks to ensure effectiveness of cleaning protocol. Complete a full room sanitization after each laboratory fermenter run.
• Liaise with the Fermentation department, Purification department, and Quality group to resolve production and quality issues as necessary.
• Assist the QC Lab as necessary to promote a strong team environment.
• Write, review, and update SOPs to reflect current best practices.
• Maintain the Fermentation Laboratory in a cleanly, organized state at all times through the adherence to 5S principles. Actively participate in Kaizen and other continuous improvement programs to help drive operational excellence.
• Wash and put away all laboratory glassware, containers, utensils. Dispose of used agar plates into the biohazard bins. Routinely run biohazardous waste through the autoclave.
• Immediately report all safety incidents, near misses, and observations to contribute to a strong health and safety culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Support team objectives and operational excellence initiatives

Requirements

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in microbiology, biotechnology, or a related biological science.
• 2-5 years related experience in an industrial laboratory setting.
• Familiar with DCS systems – understanding impacts of changes.
• Thorough knowledge and skillset in microbiological techniques.
• Strong aseptic technique skills are a must.
• A positive attitude and a collaborative approach to daily work.
• Capable of quickly learning new skills and successfully applying them.
• Reliable work ethic, desire to work in a team-based environment.