Fermentation Technical Manager

Company: Log10
Location: Ponca City
Posted on: May 4, 2024

Job Description:

Job Purpose:The Fermentation Technical Manager is responsible for leading a team in support of probiotic production and to collect data for probiotic research and development activities and is accountable for cross-functional work in multiple operational areas including research, laboratory, and production related to probiotic manufacturing activitiesDuties and Responsibilities:Has primary or shared project responsibility of a complex nature. Conduct research and contribute to research projects, technologies, publications, intellectual property, or trade secretsLead a team to conduct fermentations of various sizes up to and including small pilot to large scale fermentations in support of probiotic production and to collect data for probiotic research and development activitiesSetup and operation of fermentation equipment (i.e. benchtop to large scale bioreactors, centrifuges, etc.)Setup and operation of freeze-dryersAccountable for cross-functional work in multiple platforms/process areas including research, laboratory, and production, to support probiotic manufacturing activitiesSolve complex problems requiring original thinking and deductive reasoning and the application of scientific principles to the design and interpretation of probiotic research experimentsLead the design and optimization of fermentation & freeze drying processes for probiotic production, focusing on yield, productivity, and product qualityDevelop and implement strategies for media optimization, ensuring optimal growth and productivity of microbial strains in fermentationUtilize techniques in microbiology and biochemistry (i.e. gram stain, plating, identification & enumeration of probiotic organisms, spectrophotometry, pH, water activity)Conduct strain screening and evaluation to identify and select high-performing probiotic strainsDesign and analyze the results of experiments. Prepare reports with large data sets under time constraints, across various project typesCommunicate and interpret the results of probiotic production fermentation activities, experiments, status of process development/optimization, cost/benefit analysis, and related issues to key stakeholdersCommitment to safety and adherence to safety protocols and best practicesMeet challenges, insist on high quality deliverables, demonstrate effective problem-solving skills, and possess the ability to build productive external and internal relationshipsKeep current with literature in areas of assignment and in areas of professional interest, with special attention paid to advancements in fermentation technologies, media formulations, and process optimization strategiesSubmit performance improvement initiatives and drive efficiencies and continuous improvement associated with fermentation activitiesDevelop and drive budgetary cost reduction strategiesDevelopment of the fermentation budgetTrain & mentor fermentation team members on fermentation and laboratory techniques & equipmentAct as a member of the Log10 HACCP and Food Safety TeamsParticipate in any facility audits (Regulatory, ISO, Customer, internal, self-inspections, etc.)Other related duties as requiredMinimum Qualifications:EducationMS or PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Fermentation Sciences, Fermentation Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related fieldsSpecialized KnowledgeAdvanced Computer SkillsProficient in Microsoft Word and ExcelSetup and operation of fermentation & freeze drying equipment (i.e. benchtop to large scale bioreactors, centrifuges, etc.); 5-7 years preferredMicrobiological TechniquesSkillsAbility to Follow Written and Verbal Direction and Maintain a Laboratory NotebookExcellent Verbal and Technical Writing Communication SkillsAbility to Develop and Update Technical Documents and ReportsAbility to Lead a Team of PeopleOther CharacteristicsAttention to DetailAble to Work IndependentlyAble to Make Sound DecisionsPositive Attitude and Ability to Work as Part of a TeamAble to proactively communicate, actively listen, accept feedback, and recognize and deliver resultsProfessional Certification(s)HACCP CertificationPreventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) TrainingSQF Practitioner, a plusExperienceAt least 5-7 years of hands-on experience with bacteria fermentation process development and optimization in an industrial setting, after graduationThree or more consecutive years of experience managing a technical team and demonstrated results of people leadership and mentorship capabilities where people development and training were a responsibilityWorking Conditions: Temperature Controlled Facility EnvironmentPhysical Requirements:Ability to Stand for Extended Periods of TimeAbility to Lift 50lbsAbility to Climb, Crouch, Stoop, etc. to Set-Up & Conduct Visual Inspections of the Equipment

Keywords: Log10, Moore , Fermentation Technical Manager, Executive , Ponca City, Oklahoma