Virus Tech 1

Phibro Animal Health; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Job summary

Phibro Animal Health is seeking a Virus Tech 1 for our Vaccine Omaha office to support growth of cells and virus cultures used in vaccine production. The role involves aseptic techniques, media preparation, cell passages, and handling of virus cultures according to SOPs and USDA rules.

The candidate will maintain accurate records, monitor equipment, and assist in SOP development while adhering to safety guidelines. Evening/weekend/holiday scheduling may be required.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's preferred; Associate's acceptable with related experience.
• Reasoning: Ability to interpret instructions and solve practical problems.
• Decision Making: Schedule tasks and determine harvest points.
• Skills: Read, write in English; basic math; Excel familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Performs aseptic laboratory procedures per SOPs and production outlines.
• Prepares growth media for cells and virus cultures with calibrated equipment.
• Performs cell passages to maintain adequate cell supply for virus cultures.
• Conducts virus antigen production activities including inoculation, harvest, and inactivation.
• Completes batch records and maintains documentation.
• Maintains equipment and clean lab space; manages supplies.

Skills

Time management

Written & verbal communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Associate's degree in science with experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation

Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded, global organization with a rich history in animal health and nutrition as a manufacturer and marketer of medicated feed additives, vaccines, nutritional specialty products, and mineral nutrition. We strive to be a trusted partner with livestock producers, farmers, veterinarians, and consumers who raise or care for farm and companion animals by providing solutions to help them maintain and enhance the health of their animals.

Phibro is a diversified company in manufacturing and marketing products for ethanol performance, microbials for plants, home and industrial applications, and specialty chemicals for various industrial markets. In addition to, Phibro’s revenues are in excess of $1 billion and are supported by over 2,400 employees worldwide.

At Phibro, people are our greatest asset. We strive to develop a diverse workforce that fosters an environment where people feel supported in openly sharing their creativity and skills that allows them to be the most successful that they can be.

If you are interested in working for Phibro and feel that you do not meet all qualifications, we encourage you to apply as you might be the right candidate for this role or other positions.

Phibro's Phibro-Tech (PTI)

business unit recycles and manufacturers copper and iron-based products and recycles permitted waste primarily from the electronics industry.

Position Details

The Virus Tech 1 is an integral part of our Virus team based out of our Phibro Vaccine Omaha Office in Omaha, NE. The Virus Tech is responsible for growing cells and virus cultures used in the manufacture of viral vaccines. This includes cell passages, viral inoculations, viral harvests and viral inactivations. All work is performed with strict adherence to company SOP’s and USDA regulations. This position may require evening, weekend and holiday scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory procedures in an aseptic environment according to and in compliance with all Sop’s and Outlines of Production.
• Prepares media used for growth of cells and/or virus using calibrated vessels, pipettes, graduated cylinders, and scales.
• Performs cell passages in roller bottles as per SOP so adequate cells are available for production of virus cultures.
• Performs all aspects of virus antigen production including inoculation, harvest and inactivation of virus cultures.
• Accurately completes all batch records and other required documentation.
• Checks for expired reagents and disposes of expired reagents as per approved procedures.
• Performs laboratory maintenance, disposes waste as appropriate, keeps area neat and clean. Maintains sufficient laboratory supplies on hand. Documents cleaning performed as per SOP.
• Performs routine equipment monitoring and cleaning and documentation as stated by SOP.
• Understand and follow all safety guidelines and procedures.
• Assist in preparation of SOP’s and training of new personnel
• Manages individual schedule and assigned lab work
• Performs environmental monitoring of area as required.
• Data entry in an accurate and timely manner as required.
• Laboratory may require long periods of standing while wearing aseptic apparel which may include TyVek suit and respirator.
• Recommend equipment and process improvements in order to increase efficiency or improve safety practices.
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment such as microscopes, pH machines, pipettors, and scales preferred.

Key Competencies

Accepting Direction
Attendance and Punctuality
Attentive Listening
Collaborative
Accountable
Communicating Effectively
Critical Thinking
Delivering High Quality Work
Demonstrating Initiative
Detailed Oriented
Displaying Technical Expertise
Following Policies and Procedures
Interacting with People at Different Levels
Managing Time
Prioritizing and Organizing Work
Problem Solving
Working Safely

Skills

High degree of time management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities and projects at once.
Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Education & Experience

• Education and/or Experience: Preferred: Bachelor degree in a scientific discipline. One or more year(s) experience working in a scientific field. Minimum: Associates degree in a scientific discipline with one or more years’ experience working in a scientific field.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to listen and interpret instructions provided in written, oral or schedule form. Ability to define and solve practical problems.
• Decision Making Responsibilities: Calculate media requirements for cell passage and/or Virus propagation. Verify that equipment is available to complete assigned tasks. Ability to schedule assigned tasks in an efficient manner while adhering to trafficking protocols. Determine if Virus antigen has reached optimal harvest point. Determine if cells have reached sufficient growth for expansion. Recognize and report any questionable issues/events that might arise.
• Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret in the English language. Proficient writing and organization skills required to document procedures and track documentation. Knowledge of basic math required. Familiarity with scientific notation and metric system preferred. Ability to use Microsoft EXCEL preferred.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to stand and bend for long periods. Lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs. and occasionally maneuver carts weighing up to 110 lbs.. Will be required to lift a negligible amount of weight frequently or constantly. Must be able to stoop, reach, stand, walk, grasp and perform repetitive motions during shift. Requires good eyesight for measurements and hand eye coordination for manipulation of roller bottles.
• Work Environment: Work is in aseptic area requiring aseptic apparel such as sterile gown and/or Ty Vek Suit. Use of a respirator may be required.

Physical Requirements

Operations of laboratory equipment
Required to bend frequently
Required to sit frequently
Required to stand frequently
Required to talk or hear constantly
Required to use hands constantly
Required to walk frequently
Specific vision abilities include ability to adjust focus
Specific vision abilities include close vision
Specific vision abilities include depth perception
Specific vision abilities include distance vision
Specific vision abilities include perpheral vision
To learn more about Phibro Animal Health's competitive benefits package, please click here: Phibro Benefits

Phibro is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Business Unit: Animal Health & Mineral Nutrition
Division: Animal Health & Nutrition
Department: Manufacturing
Location: US - Omaha, NE - Vaccines
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (Standard Work hours)