Fermentation Technician
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Job Description
The Fermentation Technician supports research and production activities by operating and maintaining fermenters and related laboratory equipment, performing sterile inoculations and sampling, and conducting analytical testing to monitor cell growth and process performance. This entry-level role blends hands-on laboratory work with mechanical and maintenance tasks on bioreactors and other instruments, contributing directly to continuous improvement initiatives and high-quality experimental results.
Responsibilities
Oversee all aspects of fermenter operations, including sterilization, troubleshooting and repair, inoculation, cell growth and feeding, harvesting, cell de-vitalization, and cleaning.
Apply advanced sterile techniques for inoculating and sampling shake flasks to ensure contamination-free experiments.
Conduct routine fermenter sampling and monitoring during scheduled work hours to track process performance and cell growth.
Operate autoclaves safely and efficiently, including loading, running, and unloading cycles in accordance with procedures.
Prepare and handle acid and base solutions safely for use in fermentation and laboratory processes.
Perform off-line sample analyses using viscometers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and pH meters to support process monitoring and quality control.
Conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure accurate, reliable, and consistent operation.
Independently schedule and manage daily work tasks to align with team objectives and project timelines.
Execute research tasks in strict accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and identify opportunities to improve or update SOPs.
Adapt procedures as needed, with guidance, to achieve experimental objectives and address unexpected results.
Operate laboratory equipment according to SOPs, recognize equipment malfunctions, and perform routine maintenance or basic troubleshooting.
Develop specialized expertise in key areas such as fermentation, bioreactors, and related analytical methods relevant to the job assignment.
Document experimental work consistently using appropriate data collection tools and maintain accurate, organized laboratory records.
Identify and address deviations from expected results, and contribute experimental data to technology reports and project documentation.
Manage laboratory supply orders, including placing orders, receiving deliveries, and stocking materials in appropriate locations.
Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved material usage in the laboratory and fermentation operations.
Proactively suggest process or experimental design enhancements and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Six Sigma projects.
Actively contribute to team workload management by sharing tasks, supporting colleagues, and demonstrating behaviors that foster strong team performance.
Perform mechanical and maintenance tasks on bioreactors and related equipment, including working on and replacing valves and other components as needed.
Essential Skills
Bachelors or Associates degree in Life Science or a related field.
At least 1 year of laboratory experience; professional experience preferred, academic experience acceptable.
Hands-on experience with fermentation processes, bioreactors, or related laboratory fermentation work.
Ability to apply sterile techniques for inoculation and sampling, including work with shake flasks.
Proficiency with laboratory equipment such as viscometers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
Ability to troubleshoot and perform maintenance on laboratory equipment, including fermenters and bioreactors.
Proficiency with computers for laboratory documentation, data entry, and use of electronic data collection tools.
Knowledge of biology, microbiology, chemistry, or related life sciences as applied to fermentation and laboratory work.
Capability to operate autoclaves and safely handle acid and base solutions in a laboratory setting.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate, consistent laboratory records and documentation.
Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and take appropriate corrective actions or escalate as needed.
Capacity to work independently within an entry-level scope while following SOPs and project guidelines.
Interest in and ability to perform mechanical tasks such as working on and replacing valves on bioreactors.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in a laboratory technician role, particularly in fermentation, microbiology, or chemical process environments.
Exposure to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or quality control environments.
BG or coursework in plant science, agriculture, or related disciplines.
Familiarity with bioreactors and their operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma or similar initiatives.
Comfort working in an entry-level role with a learning focus, ideally with 0 to 5 years of overall experience.
Ability to adapt procedures with guidance to meet experimental objectives and improve processes.
Strong teamwork skills, including willingness to share workload and support overall team performance.
Mechanical aptitude and comfort performing basic maintenance and repair tasks on laboratory and fermentation equipment.
Work Environment
This role is based in a laboratory environment with a strong focus on fermentation and bioreactor operations. The Fermentation Technician works primarily on a first shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some flexibility for start times between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. There is potential for occasional work on one or two single weekend days per month, usually limited to a 2-4 hour shift for sampling or process modifications. The position involves regular use of laboratory equipment such as fermenters, bioreactors, viscometers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, pH meters, and autoclaves, as well as handling acids and bases under established safety procedures. The environment combines hands-on laboratory work with mechanical and maintenance tasks, including working on and replacing valves and performing routine equipment upkeep. The role supports a collaborative team culture focused on research, process improvement, and efficient use of materials, with an emphasis on accurate documentation, adherence to SOPs, and continuous learning.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Indianapolis, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
