Fermentation Technician

Debutbiotech25; San Diego, Town of Montana (CA, WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Debut Biotechnology is seeking a Fermentation Technician to support microbial fermentation processes for small molecule production. You will be a key contributor to research and production teams, performing lab support tasks including glassware cleaning, setup, sample collection, and analysis.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of following detailed work instructions with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS in microbiology or related field (college-level coursework in biology, microbiology, and chemistry).
• Experience with laboratory equipment and techniques (pH meter, autoclaves, enzymatic analyses, pipetting, aseptic technique).
• Ability to understand, question, and follow detailed work instructions precisely.
• Ability to perform complex laboratory procedures reproducibly. Excellent organizational, time management, and record keeping skills.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and perform physical tasks as required.
• Preferred: 1 year of experience in a microbiology lab or 1-3 years in a research or analytical lab.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Lead glassware cleaning and sterilization.
• Assist other team members with experiment setup, sample collection, and analysis.
• Follow and improve current run inventory control systems for laboratory supplies.
• Develop verification, validation, calibration, and maintenance routines for analytical equipment.
• Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for reagents, equipment operation, and analytical procedures.
• Ability to work off hours and weekends as needed.

Skills

Pipetting

Aseptic technique

Lab equipment operation

Time management

Record keeping

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Education

BS in microbiology or related field

Tools

pH meter

Autoclaves

Enzymatic analyses

Job description

About Debut

Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do—setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world. Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.

Summary

Debut Biotechnology is seeking a Fermentation Technician to aid in microbial fermentation processes for small molecule production. This individual will be a critical contributor to our research and production teams by performing various lab support duties. The role requires multiple hands-on tasks, including cleaning and autoclaving glassware and small equipment. The ideal candidate would be an organized, detail-oriented, proactive, resourceful, and highly motivated team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Lead glassware cleaning and sterilization.
• Assist other team members with experiment setup, sample collection, and analysis.
• Follow and improve current run inventory control systems for laboratory supplies.
• Develop verification, validation, calibration, and maintenance routines for analytical equipment.
• Write standard operating procedures (SOPs): (1) to prepare typical chemistry/microbiology lab reagents, such as buffers, cell growth media, and analytical standard solutions, (2) for analytical equipment operation, and (3) for analytical procedures.
• Ability to work off hours and weekends as needed.

Education and Experience

Required:

• BS in microbiology or related field (college-level coursework in general biology, microbiology, and chemistry).

• Experience with laboratory equipment and techniques (pH meter, autoclaves, enzymatic analyses, pipetting, aseptic technique, etc.)
• Ability to understand, question, and follow detailed work instructions precisely.
• Ability to perform complex laboratory procedures reproducibly.Excellent organizational, time management, and record keeping skills.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time (50% of workday), squat, bend, waist twist, kneel, climb stairs, reach up to shoulder height, and routinely lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 lbs.

Preferred:

• 1 year of experience in a microbiology lab or 1-3 years of experience in a research or analytical lab.

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting). Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2) and chemicals.
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour