Fermentation Technician (Sterility)

Elanco; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in animal health is looking for an individual to provide operational and technical support within their Fermentation Plant in Liverpool. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and hands-on experience in fermentation and mechanical maintenance within a GMP-regulated environment. Responsibilities include support for sterility-critical operations and continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should have a minimum of two years in a GMP setting and be familiar with fermentation processes.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of fermentation processes and equipment.
• Experience performing mechanical maintenance in a manufacturing setting.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a GMP-regulated production environment.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting and preventive maintenance practices.

Responsibilities

• Support sterility-critical operations, including system checks, inspections, and leak testing.
• Provide day-to-day operational technical support for fermentation equipment and processes.
• Execute and support routine maintenance programs, e.g., filter integrity testing.
• Participate in non-routine equipment assessments, including vessel inspections.
• Work closely with operations and engineering teams to resolve complex equipment issues.
• Support root cause analysis using plant control systems to monitor process data.
• Provide technical coaching and on-the-job training to operations technicians.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within fermentation operations.
• Complete documentation to cGMP standards with accuracy.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Hands-on fermentation knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

GMP regulatory knowledge

Tools

DeltaV

PI

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your role:

The main purpose of this role is to provide operational and technical support within the Fermentation Plant, with a focus on maintaining process sterility. The ideal candidate will bring strong problem‑solving skills, hands‑on fermentation and mechanical knowledge, along with experience in cGMP-regulated production environments.

This position plays a key role in ensuring the efficient, compliant and sterile operation of fermentation equipment and systems through proactive troubleshooting, technical coaching, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Your responsibilities:

• Support sterility‑critical operations, including system checks, inspections, and leak testing.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational technical support for fermentation equipment and processes.
• Execute and support routine maintenance programs (e.g. filter integrity testing, sterilization checks).
• Participate in non‑routine equipment assessments, including vessel inspections and performance testing.
• Work closely with operations and engineering teams to resolve complex process and equipment issues.
• Support root cause analysis through the use plant control systems (e.g. DeltaV, PI) to monitor and analyze process data.
• Provide technical coaching and on‑the‑job training to operations technicians.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within fermentation and sterility‑related operations.
• Complete documentation to cGMP standards with accuracy and attention to detail.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Strong working knowledge of fermentation processes and equipment.
• Experience performing mechanical maintenance in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a GMP‑regulated production environment.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance practices.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Excellent problem‑solving and diagnostic abilities.
• Proactive, adaptable, and responsive in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Comfortable using control systems like DeltaV or equivalent control/data systems.
• Effective coaching and communication skills to guide and support team members.
• Experience delivering or developing technical training materials.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status