Job Description

Industrial Microbiologist

Full-time
Minimum Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biomanufacturing, Fermentation Science, or relevant field
5+ years of work experience
Health insurance/Dental/Vision insurance
401K Plan
Paid time off/Holidays

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

For more than 30 years, BioWest Ag Solutions has manufactured fertility and specific-use biological products and provided plant consulting services to growers and land managers across the western United States. We are expanding our Microbial Product line and Contract Manufacturing services to continue our goal of bringing new superior quality, highly targeted biological products to the market. Join us and grow your career with a strong and profitable leader offering competitive compensation, growth and development opportunities, and a people- first work environment. For more information, visit www.biowest.ag.

We are seeking an Industrial Microbiologist to join the BioWest Ag Solutions Microbial
Operations team. This position is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Microbiology laboratory and will provide technical and compliance support related to upstream production, microbiological testing and analyses, environmental monitoring, facility qualification, and GMP quality systems within Microbial Operations. This position will also review and report data, design and execute fermentation studies, and support laboratory instrument validation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in industrial microbiology (biomanufacturing or fermentation microbiology), GMP compliance, environmental and utility monitoring, and strong organizational skills. This position may oversee lab technicians as a team lead or supervisor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Microbiological and Laboratory:

Perform and oversee upstream fermentation production runs and facility testing related to microbiological analyses, review data and interpret and report results. Design, prepare and communicate routine reports, trend investigations, and statements of quality. Act as subject matter expert on microbiological analyses, method qualification, technical troubleshooting, and instrument validation. Perform routine tasks such as media production, plate viability, and clean and autoclave equipment. Perform standard microbiological techniques and testing methods to examine, characterize, and culture microbes (aseptic techniques, bacterial cell growth, culture strain isolation and identification, standard plate count agar methods, GC identification, and ATP testing. Develop, incorporate, and validate microbiology-based methods as well as GMP, GLP, and HACCP processes to ensure compliance and determine the quality and sources of contamination at successive stages of processing. Design, review and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs), specifications, and validation documents, as well as organize library record keeping. Represent QC Microbiology on cross-functional teams and prepare and present data to internal and external clients.
Fermentation Process and Development:

Design and execute cleaning verification studies and oversee related equipment and utility qualification activities, including fermenter vessels, transfer lines, air/water lines, equipment sterility, plus others. Evaluate small and large batch fermentation pilot runs to improve processes, and scale-up larger batch runs to improve product yield and reduce overall costs of production. Optimize existing processes by performing trials on lab, pilot, and production scale fermenters to improve product yield, quality, efficiencies, economics, safety, and other key components. Apply new technologies to current and new processes (e.g., unit operations, process control). Transfer and/or scale-up fermentation and recovery processes from customers' pilot or production scale. Troubleshoot production/equipment problems with operations, maintenance, and co- workers. Prepare technical summary reports for internal use and for customers for first-time production-scale processes and pilot trials. Train production staff on operating procedures and product processing procedures as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Microbiology laboratory experience required; industrial laboratory preferred. Strong understanding of Microbiology related to biomanufacturing, fermentation processes, utility, and facility testing. Experience with relevant analytical laboratory and biomanufacturing equipment and software (bioreactors, fermenter vessels, LIMS, PLC, plus others). Extensive experience with microbiology methods, including detailed knowledge of culturing and aseptic techniques, inoculating agar plates and broths, enumerating bacteria, and serial dilutions. Hands-on experience with GMP and quality systems supporting microbiological testing, including media qualification, growth promotion, biological indicators, and microbial identification. Highly organized and capable of detailed record-keeping. Excellent communication and verbal presentation skills. Collaborative and team-focused with strong interpersonal skills. Highly motivated and excited to learn about and work with innovative technologies. Ability to work in laboratory and production environments and execute health and safety procedures.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biomanufacturing, Fermentation Science, or relevant field 5+ years of work experience

COMPENSATION RANGE:

Pay commensurate on education and experience

ABOUT BIOWEST AG SOLUTIONS

BioWest Ag Solutions manufactures proprietary fertilizer blends and provides crop consulting services to growers across the western United States. Products and services include biological fertilizers, soil amendments, conventional fertilizers, microbial soil inoculants, biological products, specialty applications, crop consulting services, and custom blends based on growers' unique needs.

We employ a team of Field Representatives/Certified Crop Advisors who work closely with growers to identify the nutritional and biological needs of both the plant and soil to maintain a healthy balance of organic matter, microbial systems, and plant nutrition through a cost-effective program. BioWest Ag Solutions maintains the original concept and passion around natural fertility, soil and plant health, and biological balance. These vital concepts are the building structure for the company's vision and growth.

BioWest Ag Solutions offers a highly competitive compensation package and a friendly, collaborative culture that values personal initiative and professional achievement. BioWest Ag Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

TERMS/SEARCH

[Microbiology, Industrial Micrology, Microbiologist, Industrial Microbiologist,
Biomanufacturing, Fermentation Science, Industrial Fermentation, Fermentation,Propagation, Process Development, Agriculture, Soil Science, Bacterial Growth, CultureGrowth, GMP processes, GLP processes, Quality Control, Standard MicrobiologicalTechniques, Strain Isolation and Identification]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Education:

Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: In person