Job Title: Pre-Seed Operator

Property of: CJ Bio America

1946 Harvest Ave.

Fort Dodge, Iowa  50501

Job #: PROD_FRTC_Pre-Seed Operator

Department: Fermentation RTC

Reports to: Supervisor of Fermentation RTC 

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

Freeze drying

Fermentation

Bacterial culture (dilution, streaking, spreading, SCI)

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