Lead Fermentation Technician - College Station, TX
This is a full-time, hourly position. 

Nature & Scope:
The Lead Fermentation Technician will work, under minimal supervision of the Production Supervisor, on the production of microorganisms.  They will work in a hands-on capacity in the cGMP fermentation facility and be involved in the manufacture of Deerland’s proprietary microorganisms. They will be responsible for the production equipment, including cleaning, preventative/routine maintenance, and optimization. They will participate in engineering initiatives as they pertain to the manufacturing facility and utility areas, including new equipment and/or systems installations, and equipment, systems, and process improvement initiatives. They will work to optimize fermentation process/output for Deerland’s microorganisms while being responsible for troubleshooting; management of change; deviations/CAPAs; and other technical documentation. They will maintain an accurate and timely record of equipment service records; perform preventative and routine maintenance for equipment and utilities; and work collaboratively with various departments to compile, analyze, and interpret data.

Major Accountabilities:
The responsibilities of the Fermentation Technician include, but are not limited to the following:

Key ResponsibilitiesMonitor workers onsite during production activities to ensure adherence to ethics and safety procedures.Motivate workers to enhance production quantity and at the same time maintain high production standards.Work as a middleman between workers and management to create healthy communication.Train and monitor existing and new Deerland associates in all processes defined in the fermentation area including but not limited to procedures, equipment operation, cleanings, and paperworkPrepare production media and buffers, sterilize equipment, operate bioreactors, and perform seed scale-up from lab pilot to production scale.Ensure work is completed in compliance with approved SOPs, batch records, controlled documentation and all applicable regulations, guidelines, safety policies and procedures are followed; Must understand and comply with OSHA safety requirements.Ensure that all equipment is opertating as intended and properly maintenanced.Research equipment and process modifications for better efficiency.Perform weekly set-up, running, and breakdown of bioreactors, including work in off hours.Maintain and repair the fermentation systems and the supporting infrastructure as needed.Participate in cleaning and equipment validation efforts as well as validation documentation within a cGMP facility.Investigate, troubleshoot, and create and develop new methods and technologies.Author, review, and revise deviations/CAPAs, manufacturing and process equipment documentation, and other technical documentation, as necessary.Perform or assist third parties in performing standard preventative maintenance programs.Work collaboratively with various departments to compile, analyze, and interpret data.Assist in change controls associated with production and support equipment, process, and utilities.Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives.Participate in production sustainability goals and seek out innovative solutions to ensure achievement and enhance bioreactor performance.Sanitation and upkeep of all production facilities and maintain a high level of a sterile awareness.Must operate equipment in a safe manner.Must use chemicals (i.e. acids & bases) in a safe manner.Train manufacturing associates as appropriate. Participate in cross-training initiatives.Work with data capture systems to store data and metadata about production.Use data analysis tools to understand process variations and manage process controls.Ensure the accuracy of the warehouse inventory by maintaining accurate bin locations, managing the cycle count process as defined in the ERP system.  Ensure counts are accurate and on-time according to plan.Ensure that the shipping schedule is correctly implemented and report any deviations to Customer Service.Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly warehouse area.Must be able to lift at least 60lbs.Must be able to tolerate the noise and odor that results from microbial cell culture.General ResponsibilitiesEnsure that all production activities are conducted in alignment with safety, quality, and sustainability initiatives.Maintain integrity of the production facility and ensure there is no cross-contamination.Strong attention to detail in order to produce accurate; precise; and reproducible data.Strong analytical; organizational; and time management skills.Strong work ethic and prioritizational skills.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Must possess a valid US driver’s license.Develop and maintain proper bacterial management practices to ensure consistent microbial cell culture that meet quality standards and keep pace with desired production goals.All other assigned duties.Local travel: Occasional (