Job Title: Pre-Seed Operator

Property of: CJ Bio America

          1946 Harvest Ave.

          Fort Dodge, Iowa  50501

Job #: PROD_FRTC_Pre-Seed Operator

REV: 12/8/2021

Department: Fermentation RTC

Reports to: RTC Supervisor

Career Path: T

Function: Production

■Full-Time         

■ Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Pre Seed operator is responsible for performing culture work and media prep for pre-seed while maintaining class 1000 lab. 

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Monitor all pre-seed activity;
• Supply pre-seed, R&D, and site with agar plates as needed;
• Prepare media for pre-seed as needed;
• Keep all paperwork accurate and organized;
• Maintain a class 1000 clean lab;
• Keep inventory and order supplies as needed;
• Perform preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on lab equipment;
• Keep records of repair and warranty information for lab equipment;
• Perform sterile culture work; 
• Complete working schedule for pre-seed;
• Keep track of plant schedules and adjust pre-seed work accordingly;
• Write/ update SOP’s and other paperwork as needed;
• Provide assistance with 200L and 30L as needed;
• Ability to work overtime as required by the company; 
• Performs other duties as assigned 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Must be able to adapt quickly to changes in the production schedule; 
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices; 
• Willing to cross-train into other areas; ensure conformance to standard work by following the process; communicate any issues to the appropriate resources in a timely manner
• Work in a safe manner 
• Computer skills, i.e. Microsoft Office and Excel
• Time and workload management
• Critical thinking, multi-tasking and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytical ability
• In depth knowledge of lab equipment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of strain and paperwork associated with the strain;
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and the following culture work
  1. Freeze drying
  2. Fermentation
  3. Bacterial culture (dilution, streaking, spreading, SCI)
  4. Good lab practices (GLP)

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work Schedule: This position works 12-hour shifts (36 / 48 hours per week alternating, rotating nights & days every 4 weeks), which includes days, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime.
• This position primarily works in a laboratory environment, but will work occasionally in a manufacturing environment, which may include which includes exposures to moving mechanical parts, high noise levels, vibrations, varying atmospheric conditions and temperatures, hazardous chemicals, high pressure steam, and dust
• This position regularly requires the ability to remain in a stationary position up to 30% of shift, standing, walking extended distances, frequently ascending/descending stairs extended distances, close/distance vision. 
• Must be able to follow the pre-seed schedule; 
• Perform work duties quickly and efficiently
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds as necessary 

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Lab experience preferred