Fermentation Laboratory Technician

AeroVironment•Dayton, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment Inc. is seeking a Fermentation Laboratory Technician to join its Biological & Nano Scale Team in Dayton, Ohio. The position works closely with the Technical Lead to support biomanufacturing activities, process development, and related work using laboratory and industrial equipment. The work contributes to developing and executing biomanufacturing processes and producing biologically derived components of commercial and military value. The successful candidate applies established procedures and technical knowledge to operate, monitor, and maintain fermentation systems; prepare solutions and media; perform laboratory analyses; and document process and laboratory activities. The role is primarily based in a chemical and biological laboratory and industrial or manufacturing environment. It involves following laboratory safety procedures and may require occasional travel between AeroVironment facilities. Work is primarily Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with some evening and weekend work required, up to but not exceeding two weekends per month.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences or a related engineering field, or four years of relevant hands-on experience in a chemical or biological research laboratory or an industrial or manufacturing environment.
Ability to interpret and follow written and verbal instructions, technical procedures, and established protocols.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document laboratory activities, communicate technical observations, and explain technical information clearly and effectively.
Ability to execute assigned tasks independently in accordance with established processes and protocols.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations using a calculator, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and unit conversions.
Ability to follow laboratory safety requirements and established procedures for handling biological and chemical materials.
Ability to solve atypical or infrequent problems.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stand, sit, kneel, and perform other physical activities necessary to operate and maintain laboratory and process equipment.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR requirements, or be eligible for an export license. The posting also states that U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating laboratory- or pilot-scale fermentation equipment.
Proficiency working with process equipment incorporating integrated control systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, for graphing, data manipulation, and basic data analysis.
Proficiency measuring and monitoring bioprocess kinetic and metabolic indicators such as oxygen uptake rate (OUR), oxygen transfer rate (OTR), carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER), and respiratory quotient (RQ).
Proficiency maintaining accurate laboratory records and following established quality, safety, and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

Provide general laboratory support, including housekeeping, organization, and maintenance of a clean and orderly work environment.
Maintain and operate fermenters and associated systems according to established processes, protocols, and safety requirements.
Prepare solutions and media using established protocols, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation.
Operate laboratory analyzers and instrumentation using established protocols and document results accurately.
Perform aseptic operations involving Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) organisms according to established procedures.
Document laboratory operations, equipment use, process conditions, observations, and results according to established documentation practices.
Execute laboratory and biomanufacturing tasks independently using established processes and protocols.
Operate high-energy equipment according to established processes, protocols, and safety requirements.
Follow employee health and safety requirements and applicable laboratory procedures.
Recognize deviations from established procedures and communicate issues to the Technical Lead.
Perform work with limited or little supervision.