Process Science Tech Days - Rochester, MN

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio-science industry. Our team is proud of the work they do and have a focus on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness.

2402 7th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901

Pay Rate: $26.00/hr.

1st shift: Tuesday - Saturday

*** Must be flexible to cover night or weekend shift

The typical hiring range for this role is $26.00 per hour and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications. This position may also be eligible for a shift differential and/or overtime. In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

The Inoculation Laboratory Tech will work in the Process Science Team in partnership with relevant Fermented Ingredient operations, manufacturing, process engineering, and quality to manage, develop and optimize inoculum processes for multi-functional fermented food ingredients and provide oversight of production culture collection maintenance.

Key responsibilities

1. Perform the day-to-day activities of the inoculation lab.
2. Direct off-hours technician coverage; occasionally self-provided off hours coverage.
3. Ensure uninterrupted supply of contaminant-free, robust inoculum to meet all Production needs.

4. Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness in response to Production schedule changes.
5. Train QC technicians to all inoculation laboratory coverage requirements.
6. Develop work instructions for all task-oriented inoculation laboratory and culture collection maintenance activities.
7. Make decisions and provide guidance around analytical data and test results (GC, HPLC, etc.) for monitoring of seed trains. Elevate as appropriate to manager.
8. Lead root cause investigations and implement solutions for corrective actions related to seed train, inoculum, and contamination events utilizing standard RCA methods.
9. Maintain culture collection, including primary ampoule bank, back up strains, production working stock; including associated purity testing.
10. Cross train self and technicians on the media preparation laboratory providing coverage as necessary, including some off hours/weekends.
11. Design and conduct experiments for efficiency, more robust seed trains, and cost savings initiatives.
12. Drive Continuous improvement of current collection and inoculum practices.
13. Utilize design of experiments, current scientific, and aseptic techniques.

Qualifications and skills

What you'll need to be successful and safe:

EDUCATION: BS in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related technical degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology or another technical related field is preferred but not essential.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum 1-5 years of experience in fermentation science, industrial microbiology or food industry is preferred, relevant internship minimum. Experience working in GMP and manufacturing environment. Food manufacturing experience preferred.

SKILLS: Strong microbiology background, aseptic techniques, experience in culture transfers and culture collection maintenance, bacterial fermentation, writing/developing and following work instructions, attention to detail, multitasking, following a schedule, communication and interpersonal interaction, verbal and written communication. Knowledge of Food Safety requirements. Knowledge of Microsoft office. Self-directed and requires the ability to work without close, direct supervision utilizing good organizational techniques.

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