Upstream & Downstream Bioprocess Technician (Contract) | NW Indianapolis, IN
Join the Bioprocess Discovery and Development team in a hands‑on role supporting fermentation and product‑recovery activities. You’ll help prepare, operate, and clean laboratory equipment while supporting two closely related teams as weekly priorities change. Flexibility, clear communication, and a collaborative mindset are more important than prior scientific or technical experience.
Work Location & Details
- Location: Northwest Indianapolis, IN — 100% onsite
- Pay Rate: $22–$25/hr
- Employment Type: 1 year Contract with the ability to extend or convert
- Schedule: First shift, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week, with scheduling flexibility between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Education: No minimum education requirement
- Experience: Bioprocessing experience preferred, not required
The Role: What You’ll Do
- Team Support: Share support between upstream and downstream teams based on weekly priorities, balancing routine tasks with changing research needs.
- Upstream Processing: Prepare, sterilize, assemble, and support the operation of bench‑scale bioreactors used for fermentation. Prepare sterile media and feed solutions according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Sampling & Testing: Collect samples using aseptic techniques, prepare samples for analysis, and support process monitoring and analytical testing.
- Downstream Processing: Help recover target compounds using liquid‑liquid and solid‑phase/resin extractions and related purification processes.
- Equipment Readiness: Clean, maintain, and help troubleshoot bioreactors, extraction vessels, columns, filtration units, and associated laboratory equipment.
- Documentation: Accurately record experimental activities, process data, and results in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN). Recognize and communicate unexpected results or equipment issues.
- Safety & Organization: Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized laboratory and process environment.
Qualifications
- Collaboration & Communication: Strong people skills, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
- Adaptability: Willingness to shift between two groups, adjust to changing priorities, and support both routine and evolving project needs.
- Initiative: Able to work independently, take ownership of assigned tasks, and ask for guidance when needed.
- Attention to Detail: Able to follow written procedures, maintain accurate records, and recognize when results differ from expectations.
- Hands‑On Aptitude: Comfortable working with equipment and learning setup, cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams; ability to maintain electronic laboratory records.
- Physical Requirements: Able and willing to stand, bend, and reach frequently for more than 50% of the workday and lift up to 50 lbs.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in bioprocessing, fermentation, or operating bioreactors.
- Familiarity with aseptic techniques, sterile media handling, or sampling.
- Exposure to extraction, centrifugation, chromatography, or other downstream processing techniques.
- Mechanical aptitude or experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
- Associate’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related field preferred, but not required.