Core Facility Research Assistant

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing at the University of Iowa is hiring a Core Facility Research Assistant to join its professional staff and help manufacture protein products as part of its contract development and manufacturing organization. The role provides an overview of fermentation and purification processes used in pilot-scale protein manufacturing, with work eventually focused on either fermentation or purification. Responsibilities relate to commercial-scale manufacturing under cGMP and non-cGMP conditions. The position is on campus and reports to the Director of Operations. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional coverage and support for second and third shifts as needed. The position requires an associate’s degree from a biotechnology or bioprocessing program, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants need six months to one year of relevant laboratory or biotechnology industry experience, accuracy and attention to detail, strong record keeping and process documentation, effective communication and relationship management skills, and working proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with fermentation, protein purification, cGMP manufacturing, and packing chromatographic columns is highly desirable. Additional desirable qualifications include familiarity with biomanufacturing processes and regulations, sterile technique and cell culture handling, facility operations, analytical techniques for preparing solutions, and experience with volume solutions larger than 100 liters. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume marked as relevant files. The position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. Successful candidates must disclose conviction history and undergo a criminal background check and credential and education verification; up to five professional references may be requested later in the process.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from a biotechnology or bioprocessing program, bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six months to one year of relevant laboratory or biotechnology industry experience.
Ability to perform tasks accurately and with attention to detail, including accurate record keeping and process documentation.
Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
Working proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work constructively and civilly with a variety of individuals and groups and use available resources and learning to achieve or exceed organizational outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge and experience with fermentation processes.
Working knowledge and experience with protein purification.
Working knowledge and experience with cGMP manufacturing.
Basic knowledge of or skills in packing chromatographic columns.
Basic familiarity with biomanufacturing processes and regulations.
Basic skills in standard sterile technique and handling cell cultures.
Working knowledge and experience with facility operations.
Experience using analytical techniques to prepare solutions.
Experience working with volume solutions larger than 100 liters.

Responsibilities

Help manufacture protein products as part of the Center’s contract development and manufacturing organization.
Learn the fermentation and purification processes used for pilot-scale protein manufacturing.
Eventually focus work on either fermentation or purification.
Perform work associated with commercial-scale manufacturing under cGMP and non-cGMP conditions.
Occasionally provide coverage and support for second and third shifts as needed.