Associate Scientist, Industrial Biotechnology
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Job Summary
- Perform media screening and optimization to support fermentation of microbial strains for biofertilizer production.
- Set up operate and monitor bioreactors (up to 10 L) and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes including sterilization inoculation sampling and in-process monitoring.
- Support both R&D fermentation development and routine production batches including batch preparation equipment cleaning and sterilization.
- Carry out downstream processing steps such as centrifugation drying and blending using equipment at different scales.
- Support product formulation and help transfer processes from bench scale toward production.
- Weigh and charge raw materials and help with blending packaging and labelling of finished product batches.
- Record batch and process data accurately and help troubleshoot fermentation runs.
- Work closely with the upstream QC and other teams to ensure smooth handoffs from fermentation to finished product.
- Prepare microbiology media for plates broths flasks cultures and QC testing and prepare samples for analysis.
- Perform plating microbial enumeration routine culture maintenance and inoculations using aseptic technique.
- Conduct contamination checks product and culture testing and other routine QC assays.
- Maintain complete accurate and timely laboratory records QC logs data sheets and sample traceability documentation.
- Keep laboratory workspaces materials cultures and supplies clean organized and ready for use.
- Execute research protocols developed by the team and follow approved experimental procedures exactly.
- Set up and maintain plant-microbe efficacy experiments in controlled environments including grow tents.
- Prepare and apply microbial treatments while maintaining clear labelling treatment separation and experimental controls.
- Monitor plant growth and environmental conditions and record study performance indicators consistently.
- Take measurements and photographs collect samples and maintain complete and accurate experimental records.
- Support harvest activities sample processing analytical work and trial execution across row crops and greenhouse crops.
- Follow all laboratory safety biosafety including Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) practices and standard operating procedures.
- Coordinate day-to-day activities with upstream QC research and other cross-functional teams to keep fermentation production QC and research work on schedule.
- Report protocol deviations contamination concerns equipment issues and unusual results promptly.
- Support additional QC research production harvest and laboratory operations tasks as assigned and participate in team meetings.
- A Bachelors degree or higher in Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Biochemistry Microbiology Bioprocess Engineering Environmental Science or a related life-science discipline.
- Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture aseptic handling plating or enumeration is strongly preferred.
- An understanding of microbial fermentation or a strong willingness to learn it; training will be provided.
- Working knowledge of Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) laboratory practices.
- Comfort operating bioreactors centrifuges dryers blenders and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes with an understanding of downstream processing and formulation (or eagerness to learn).
- Ability to lift and carry up to 10 kg (e.g. media components carboys product bags) and to stand for extended periods during fermentation and production runs.
- Comfort following established laboratory and research protocols carefully and consistently.
- Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation measurement and data-recording skills.
- Reliable and organized with clear communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively including across departments.
- A genuine interest in agriculture plants soil environmental science microbiology fermentation biofertilizers and biological technologies with the ability to work onsite at our lab at Western University campus in London ON.
- Genuine enthusiasm for the field and a desire to grow with the company in a long-term role.
Required Skills:
- Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture aseptic handling plating or enumeration is strongly preferred. - An understanding of microbial fermentation or a strong willingness to learn it; training will be provided. - Working knowledge of Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) laboratory practices. - Comfort operating bioreactors centrifuges dryers blenders and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes with an understanding of downstream processing and formulation (or eagerness to learn). - Ability to lift and carry up to 10 kg (e.g. media components carboys product bags) and to stand for extended periods during fermentation and production runs. - Comfort following established laboratory and research protocols carefully and consistently. - Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation measurement and data-recording skills. - Reliable and organized with clear communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively including across departments. - A genuine interest in agriculture plants soil environmental science microbiology fermentation biofertilizers and biological technologies with the ability to work onsite at our lab at Western University campus in London ON. - Genuine enthusiasm for the field and a desire to grow with the company in a long-term role.
Required Education:
- A Bachelors degree or higher in Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Biochemistry Microbiology Bioprocess Engineering Environmental Science or a related life-science discipline.
