R&D Technician / Fermentation

Kerry•Beloit, WI

9d•$47,900 - $78,750•Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Technician will support the Fermentation R&D team within Kerry’s Food Protection business, working with scientists and fermentation experts to support day-to-day laboratory operations. This hands-on laboratory role involves supporting fermentation experiments, microbiological testing, sample analysis, media preparation, and bioreactor setup. The technician also assists scientists with experiments, data collection, raw-material and finished-product testing, and general laboratory activities. The position reports to the R&D Manager, Food Protection & Preservation – Fermentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
Basic knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
Understanding of aseptic techniques and microbiological testing methods.
Ability to prepare laboratory media, perform serial dilutions, plate samples, and conduct colony counts.
Strong attention to detail when preparing experiments, collecting samples, and recording data.
Ability to accurately follow laboratory protocols, testing methods, and experimental procedures.
Basic understanding of chemical and physical testing techniques.
Good organizational and laboratory housekeeping skills.
Ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and prioritize work.
Strong documentation and data-entry skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other standard computer applications.
Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and other members of a technical R&D team.

Responsibilities

Support R&D scientists with daily fermentation research and laboratory activities.
Prepare media and recipes for laboratory-scale fermentation experiments.
Set up and support the operation of laboratory-scale bioreactors.
Collect samples at designated stages of fermentation and accurately record and process experimental data.
Perform basic microbiological techniques, including media preparation, serial dilutions, plating, bacterial enumeration, and colony counting.
Analyze raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
Conduct physical, chemical, microbiological, functional, and sensory testing as required.
Use wet chemistry, instrumental, physical, and/or sensory methods to evaluate raw materials and finished products against established specifications.
Document and communicate testing and evaluation results to appropriate teams.
Support laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, preparing shipments, and sending samples to other locations.
Conduct proficiency testing within the scope of laboratory accreditations.
Maintain laboratory equipment and a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
Use SAP, Optiva, Microsoft Excel, and other applicable laboratory or business systems.
Follow established quality, food safety, laboratory, and company procedures, including Kerry’s Safety First and Quality Always principles.
Support additional R&D and laboratory activities as assigned.