Craft Beer Lab & Sensory Technician I

Half Acre Beer Company x Maplewood Brewery and Distillery; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Half Acre Beer Co. in Chicago seeks a Laboratory and Sensory Technician to support daily production sampling and the sensory program within the Quality Department.

The role performs microbiological, molecular, chemical, and sensory-support activities; maintains records; and escalates out-of-specification results to the Quality Manager. Reporting to the Quality Manager with guidance from senior technicians, you will collect samples, perform yeast viability testing, enter data into DraughtLab, and

Qualifications

• A 4-year college degree in microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or food science.
• Or at least one year of professional or academic experience in a microbiological, food science, brewery, or similar lab.

Responsibilities

• Monitors day-to-day levels of lab reagents, aliquots, media, and consumables and communicates replenishment needs.
• Cleans and sanitizes labware and surfaces to maintain a clean lab environment.
• Prepares culture media and pours plates/tubes aseptically.
• Collects samples for microbiological analysis and records observations.
• Performs yeast cell counts and viability testing; tracks slurry history.
• Performs qPCR testing and records results; escalates unexpected findings.
• Collects samples for routine analysis and records results in production logs.
• Maintains lab data in DraughtLab and production systems.
• Assists sensory-session setup and administration; maintains sensory stations.
• Supports raw-material and hop-lot sensory evaluations.
• Performs routine instrument cleaning and preventive maintenance.
• Maintains SOP compliance and participates in training.

Skills

Aseptic technique

GLP compliance

Data entry & record-keeping

qPCR testing

Spectrophotometry

Education

4-year college degree in microbiology/biochemistry/chemistry/molecular biology/food science

Tools

qPCR instruments

Spectrophotometer

Job description

Half Acre Beer Co. in Chicago seeks a Laboratory and Sensory Technician to support daily production sampling and the sensory program within the Quality Department.

The role performs microbiological, molecular, chemical, and sensory-support activities; maintains records; and escalates out-of-specification results to the Quality Manager. Reporting to the Quality Manager with guidance from senior technicians, you will collect samples, perform yeast viability testing, enter data into DraughtLab, and