Lab and 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

JOB SUMMARY:Half Acre Beer Co. is seeking a qualified individual to support daily production sampling and the sensory program within the Half Acre Quality Department. The Laboratory and Sensory Technician, 1, performs routine microbiological, molecular, chemical, and sensory-support activities; maintains accurate records; and promptly escalates unusual or out-of-specification results to the more senior Laboratory and Sensory Technician and Quality Manager. This position reports to the Quality Manager and works under the day-to-day technical guidance of the more senior Laboratory and Sensory Technician.DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:Monitors day-to-day levels of lab reagents, aliquots, media, and consumables; communicates replenishment needs to the Lead Laboratory and Sensory TechnicianCleans and sanitizes labware and surfaces daily to uphold a clean and organized lab environmentPrepares culture media and pours plates/ aliquots tubesAseptically collects samples and plates for microbiological analysis; records observations and escalates unusual growth or morphology for reviewPerforms routine yeast cell counts and viability testing; tracks and reports yeast lineage and slurry historyCollects samples for microbial enrichment and performs qPCR testing; records and reports results and escalates unexpected findingsDetermines routine samples due according to the established schedule; collects daily fermentation and microbiological samples from tanks when assigned; conducts routine quality checks including extract, pH, and temperature; and records results on production recordsPerforms spectrophotometric-based assays, including sample prep for organic chemistry analysisPerforms routine testing supporting BBT and packaged-goods release; promptly escalates results that do not meet specification before release or dispositionReceives, organizes, stages, retrieves, and archives packaged product samples for sensory evaluation and retentionAssists with sensory-session setup and administration, including staging glassware and samples and entering sessions or results in DraughtLab as assignedMaintains sensory stations, including glassware, samples, and the appropriate testing environmentAssists with raw-material and hop-lot sensory evaluations as assignedEnters laboratory, fermentation, packaging, and sensory data into appropriate systems and records; identifies and escalates unusual or out-of-specification valuesPerforms work according to current Standard Operating Procedures and participates in SOP training and review as assignedPerforms routine instrument cleaning and preventive-maintenance tasks according to established schedules; reports equipment issues promptly to Lead Laboratory and Sensory TechnicianPerforms general lab maintenance and cleaning as outlined in the Lab Upkeep ChecklistSupports quality investigations and improvement projects by performing assigned testing, sampling, and documentationSupports cross-training and demonstrations of routine lab functions as assignedREQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:First, have a constant commitment to safety and qualityBe a conscientious person, keeping in mind the needs of others as well as ownHold self accountable for maintaining a clean and organized work environmentWork efficiently and collaboratively within a shared Quality Laboratory workflowBe detail-oriented and thorough in all laboratory work and documentationPerform aseptic technique regularly and effectivelyMaintain a clean, safe, and well-functioning lab, mindful of GLP requirementsOrganize a large amount of samples and provide clear and timely resultsPREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: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 is required. Some background and interest in sensory science is preferred. Must be proficient in aseptic technique and basic lab duties. A passion for craft beer and fundamental understanding of the beer production process is preferred.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Must be able to lift 30 lbs.Must be able to maneuver 165 lb. kegs into positionMust be able to navigate ladder while sampling from tanks