Process Science Tech

Kerry; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 46,800 - 57,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading global nutrition company in Rochester, MN seeks a skilled professional for lab management in fermentation science. Responsibilities include overseeing lab activities, training technicians, and ensuring high standards in microbial processes. A BS in Microbiology or related field along with 1-5 years of relevant experience preferred. This role offers a competitive pay of $26/hr and a comprehensive benefits package, working in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-5 years of experience in fermentation science or food industry.
• Experience in GMP and manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Strong background in culture collection maintenance and bacterial fermentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform activities of the inoculation lab.
• Train QC technicians on lab coverage requirements.
• Lead root cause investigations for contamination events.

Skills

Microbiology

Aseptic techniques

Communication skills

Leadership

Multitasking

Education

BS in Microbiology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio-science industry. Our team is proud of the work they do and have a focus on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness.

Location

2402 7th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901

Pay & Shift

Pay Rate: $26.00/hr.
1st shift: Tuesday - Saturday
*** Must be flexible to cover night or weekend shift

Responsibilities

• Perform the day-to-day activities of the inoculation lab.
• Direct off-hours technician coverage; occasionally self-provided off hours coverage.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of contaminant-free, robust inoculum to meet all Production needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness in response to Production schedule changes.
• Train QC technicians to all inoculation laboratory coverage requirements.
• Develop work instructions for all task-oriented inoculation laboratory and culture collection maintenance activities.
• Make decisions and provide guidance around analytical data and test results (GC, HPLC, etc.) for monitoring of seed trains. Elevate as appropriate to manager.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement solutions for corrective actions related to seed train, inoculum, and contamination events utilizing standard RCA methods.
• Maintain culture collection, including primary ampoule bank, back up strains, production working stock; including associated purity testing.
• Cross train self and technicians on the media preparation laboratory providing coverage as necessary, including some off hours/weekends.
• Design and conduct experiments for efficiency, more robust seed trains, and cost savings initiatives.
• Drive Continuous improvement of current collection and inoculum practices.
• Utilize design of experiments, current scientific, and aseptic techniques.
• Understand and practice basic hygienic design principles.
• Competent in bench top microbiology, aseptic technique, plating, transfer & culture maintenance.
• Takes complete ownership of the inoculation laboratory, responsibility for equipment calibration and maintenance, ordering supplies.
• Coordinate work requests, repairs, and maintenance activities of the inoculation laboratory.
• Support experimental seed trains for management of change (MOC), production scale ups and commercialization.
• Utilize the MOC process for all improvements and changes in the inoculation laboratory and its processes/procedures.
• Ensures proper documentation is implemented for all inoculation laboratory activities.
• Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes and demonstrates a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Protect Intellectual Property of proprietary strains and procedures.
• Employ efficient time management.
• Work directly with Process Science and Operations teams to solve technical issues that may arise.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time in a laboratory setting and lift 50 pounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to set priorities and work independently, manage projects, and drive results.

Qualifications

• BS in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related technical degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology or another technical related field is preferred but not essential.
• Minimum 1-5 years of experience in fermentation science, industrial microbiology or food industry is preferred, relevant internship minimum. Experience working in GMP and manufacturing environment. Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong microbiology background, aseptic techniques, experience in culture transfers and culture collection maintenance, bacterial fermentation, writing/developing and following work instructions, attention to detail, multitasking, following a schedule, communication and interpersonal interaction, verbal and written communication. Knowledge of Food Safety requirements. Knowledge of Microsoft office. Self-directed and requires the ability to work without close, direct supervision utilizing good organizational techniques.

Benefits

The pay rate for this position is $26.00 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 5-2026.