Job Title: Fermentation Technician (Upstream and Downstream Bioprocess Technician)
Location: Indianapolis, IN 46077
Duration: 11 Months (Possibility of extension depending upon business requirements and performance)
 
Description:

• The Bioprocess Discovery and Development (BDD) team is seeking a highly motivated Upstream and Downstream Bioprocess Technician.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the setup, operation and cleaning of bioreactors, and recovery processes such as liquid-liquid and resin-based extractions of natural products.
• This hands-on position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Responsibilities could also include process associated monitoring, sampling and analytical testing while maintaining a state of operational readiness for all bioprocessing equipment.
• It should be expected to have some routine responsibilities while supporting dynamic discovery work in a standard work week.

 
Responsibilities:
Upstream Processing

• Bioreactor Operations: Prepare, sterilize, and assemble bench-scale bioreactors for fermentation processes.
• Media and Feed Preparation: Prepare complex sterile media and feed solutions according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Sampling: Perform aseptic sampling from bioreactors and prepare samples for a variety of analytical methods.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of bioreactors and associated analytical equipment.

 
Downstream Processing

• Extraction: Conduct downstream purification protocols, including liquid-liquid extractions and solid-phase/resin extractions, to recover target molecules.
• Equipment Management: Clean and maintain downstream processing equipment, such as extraction vessels, columns and filtration units, ensuring readiness for subsequent runs.

 
General Requirements:

• Ability to work 100% on-site
• A high level of independence and initiative
• Ability to work closely with diverse teams to achieve project goals and show reasonable agility in a discovery environment.
• Ability to recognize when results deviate from expectations
• Data Management: Proficiency in MS Office, MS Teams. Maintain detailed and accurate records of all experiments, process data, and results in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
• Must be able and willing to work in a process environment requiring frequent (?50% of workday) standing, bending, reaching and lifting moderate weights (up to 25 lbs)

 
Preferred Experiences and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with upstream bioprocessing equipment, particularly bioreactors/fermentors.
• Experience with aseptic techniques (e.g., working in a biosafety cabinet, sterile media handling, aseptic sampling).
• Familiarity with downstream processing techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, centrifugation, or chromatography.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for laboratory equipment.

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 27.62/hr.