Full-Time
Microbiome Production Technician
Deadline 7/27/26
University of Chicago
Compensation Overview
$24.04 - $33.65/hr
Chicago, IL, USA
In Person
Category
 Biology & Biotech (2) |
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Requirements
- A college or university degree in a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the bioprocessing team to define and characterize live biotherapeutic products for scalable production within a cGMP biomanufacturing facility.
- Assist in optimizing media formulation and fermentation conditions for various anaerobic bacteria.
- Help refine fermentation parameters to enhance LBP yield and viability.
- Help identify harvest conditions that maximize viability and stability of LBPs.
- Perform rigorous Quality Control testing, including colony-forming unit counts and USP compendial tests, for drug substance and drug products.
- Conduct biomanufacturing operations – including environmental monitoring, media production, fermentation, tangential filtration, lyophilization, encapsulation, and facility cleaning - in a cGMP cleanroom environment.
- Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment under guidance from senior Production associates such as anaerobic chambers, biological safety cabinets, bioreactors/fermenters, tangential flow filtration systems, lyophilization system, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Biotyper, spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
- Perform routine cleaning, proper setup, care, and preventive maintenance of all laboratory equipment.
- Perform hands-on biomanufacturing operations for fermentation, purification, lyophilization, encapsulation and cryopreservation of LBPs under guidance from senior Production associates.
- Maintain the highest standards of laboratory workplace safety, quality, and cGMP compliance.
- Complete all training requirements for applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Meticulously record executed work in batch records, logs, and forms as outlined per established SOPs.
- Support Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and regulatory documentation and audit requirements.
- Follow all verbal and written instructions and procedures for processes and equipment.
- Identify and report non-conforming events promptly.
- Consistently comply with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
- Conducts new tests and researches on new technologies for implementation in the laboratory. Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of patient results and data.
- Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures. Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Desired Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Biological, Chemical, or Bioprocess Engineering.
- Degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering or a closely related life sciences field also considered.
- Hands-on experience in biomanufacturing is desired.
- Experience in operating general laboratory equipment: balances, vortex, pH meters, centrifuge and microscope.
- Experience in basic laboratory techniques: pipetting, aseptic technique, serial dilutions, plate streaking, weighing solids, and making buffers and standard solutions.
- Experience working with aerobic and anaerobic microbes, including cultivation and handling techniques under aseptic conditions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for bioprocess optimization.
- Proven ability to work cooperatively within interdisciplinary team environments.
- Teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability in regulated biomanufacturing environment.
- Consistent, dependable performance and strong work ethic; regular attendance and reliability.
- Ability to work for extended periods in cGMP/cleanroom environments while maintaining attention to detail and safety protocols.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, ensuring clear and professional documentation and interpersonal interaction.
- Experience in performing CFU counts and USP compendial testing to ensure product identity, potency, purity, and safety.
- Demonstrates proficiency in essential laboratory techniques, equipment operation, aseptic processing, and accurate sample handling.
- Demonstrates proficiency in Good Documentation Practices, accurate record keeping, and maintaining detailed batch records, logs, and forms to support regulatory compliance and product traceability.
- Upholds rigorous standards of cleanliness and organization in the laboratory and cleanroom environments.