Bioprocess Technician

Novonesis•Salem, VA

2d•$45,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Interested in a career that matters? Join us as our new Bioprocess Technician! At Novonesis, we believe biosolutions can address humanity’s biggest challenges. Since our founding more than a century ago, biology has guided everything we do — and it continues to shape our future. The world needs change, and with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. Welcome to Development and Optimization of Microbes, a global Novonesis organization responsible for the development, scale‑up, and optimization of microbe products, processes, and technologies across industries including agriculture, bioenergy, human health, and functional foods. Our teams consist of scientists and researchers who use lab-, pilot-, and production‑scale equipment alongside advanced data and digital tools to develop and launch new biological solutions. We collaborate globally to leverage our collective knowledge in industrial microbiology. The Role & Your Impact: Are you ready to contribute to the development of new biosolutions? Do you have a passion for hands‑on experimentation using cutting-edge technology? In this role, you will execute lab‑ and pilot‑scale fermentation and recovery experiments with diverse microbes, working closely with scientists and researchers to advance new products and processes. In this role, you’ll make an impact by: Executing experimental plans alongside scientists and researchers to deliver high‑quality results. Operating lab‑ and pilot‑scale bioreactors and downstream equipment, including media preparation, tank setup, inoculation, monitoring, sampling, analytics, and documenting results in ELNs. Using purchasing systems to maintain raw materials, reagents, and supplies. Performing job duties safely and maintaining a clean, organized workspace that aligns with company policies and regulations. Following, writing, and updating SOPs while learning equipment‑specific software. Maintaining laboratory equipment through calibration, preventive maintenance, upgrades, and repairs — coordinating with internal and external vendors. Troubleshooting issues independently where possible and escalating appropriately when needed. Participating in and sometimes leading continuous improvement projects. Occasionally supporting nighttime or weekend sampling, troubleshooting, or urgent deadlines. Performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Bioprocess Engineering.
Hands‑on experience with fermentation or microbial bioprocessing, including analytical techniques (microscopy, cell enumeration, spectroscopy, etc.).
Familiarity with mechanical systems (compressed air, chilled water, steam).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software applications.
Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to stand for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in troubleshooting bioprocess equipment or systems.
Comfort working with digital tools, automation platforms, or data systems.
Curiosity and eagerness to learn new bioprocess technologies.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities based on experiments or production timelines.

Responsibilities

Executing experimental plans alongside scientists and researchers to deliver high‑quality results.
Operating lab‑ and pilot‑scale bioreactors and downstream equipment, including media preparation, tank setup, inoculation, monitoring, sampling, analytics, and documenting results in ELNs.
Using purchasing systems to maintain raw materials, reagents, and supplies.
Performing job duties safely and maintaining a clean, organized workspace that aligns with company policies and regulations.
Following, writing, and updating SOPs while learning equipment‑specific software.
Maintaining laboratory equipment through calibration, preventive maintenance, upgrades, and repairs — coordinating with internal and external vendors.
Troubleshooting issues independently where possible and escalating appropriately when needed.
Participating in and sometimes leading continuous improvement projects.
Occasionally supporting nighttime or weekend sampling, troubleshooting, or urgent deadlines.
Performing other related duties as assigned.