Department: Pilot Lab
Positions Supervised: Fermentation Scientists, Pilot Lab Techs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Operations
GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB
The Pilot Plant Manager will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to implement and improve CSL USA’s production processes through media, bacterial strain, and cryoprotection development. Principal duties include fermentation process development around existing and new processes being developed, screening of improved cultures from the Health and Nutrition teams, and tech transfer of the developed possesses into production plants. Pilot Plant Manager will collaborate with a group of highly engaged scientists that apply state-of-the-art genetic, microbiological, engineering, and analytical technology to support robust lowest cost production, high levels of output, and stability of finished cultures throughout fermentation processes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the major functions of this position and are not intended to be a detailed description of all the work/functions that may be required. Other duties may be assigned.
- Hire, train, develop and mentor the newly formed Pilot Fermentation team
- Provide technical leadership to the site and deepen the understanding of microbiology to the greater team
- Set up and run laboratory-scale fermentations including process turnaround
- Perform process development around industrial microorganisms including yeast, bacterial and fungal strains and including further optimization
- Develop, continuously improve upon our media and cryoprotectants to improve stability, cell count, yield, and in the case of dairy cultures activity.
- Ensure proper documentation of results and effective communication with the team
- Manage and make recommendations on lab equipment and consumable inventory, work with purchasing to place those orders
- Work closely with other teams to ensure timely evaluation of new leads
- Optimize strains of various species by molecular microbiology
- Lead development and input on new recipes
- Work closely with the production plant to ensure that processes being developed meet the criteria for effective scale up into production. Assist in new strain deployment
- Lead or participate in addressing critical issues in fermentation. Help set and execute the strategic and tactical direction in upstream process development and related technologies
- Remain current with and champion the implementation of new technologies within the group to ensure we deliver or exceed project targets
- Ability to use statistical analysis
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE
- BS or MS in microbiology, engineering, or other applicable degree
- 4+ years of experience with working in a cultures development lab and the associated processes
- 2+ years of experience with aseptic techniques, preferably working with laboratory-scale fermenters to perform fermentation process development and screening
- Direct fermentation and cryopreservation experience
- Deep understanding of microbial physiology, ideally about the genetic and molecular level
- Experience with lactic acid bacteria/probiotics
- Experience with controlled fermentation and related technologies, i.e., freeze-drying, etc.
- Ability to design experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, follow up and communicate experimental data
- Experience with genetic strain optimization preferred
- Knowledge and experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and 21 CFR Part 110 & 111, preferred
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