Laboratory Technician

Lab Technician # 24-08000Job Title: Lab TechnicianLocation: San Diego, CA 92121End-Client: Large Energy CompanyPay: $30 - $38.99/hr.Benefits: Comprehensive benefits (401K, Health, Dental, and Vision) through Icon Consultants are availableJob Type: 6 – month contract role with possibility to extendThe Fermentation Technician will assist with the daily operation of fermentation, downstream, and pretreatment processes. The individual will work closely with scientists and engineers, helping with the setup and initial calibration of equipment and bringing systems to steady-state operation. Responsibilities include monitoring equipment and processes, performing routine measurements and calculations, collecting samples, conducting offline analyses using calibrated instruments, recording results in real-time, and communicating any updates or issues to the process owner. All tasks must be performed in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and site safety guidelines.Key accountabilities: • Prepare media, buffers, and process solutions, including weighing, calculations, mixing, pH adjustments, labelling, and sterilization as needed.• Operate and monitor fermentation, downstream (centrifugation and/or filtration), and pretreatment (mechanical and/or chemical treatment) operations at steady state according to SOPs. Track key process parameters and make routine adjustments within established limits.• Prepare samples as required, including performing serial dilutions and plating. Label all samples and plates accurately and complete related calculations.• Collect routine process samples (following training) and perform offline analyses (e.g., glucose/analytes, pH, dry cell weight/biomass) using calibrated instruments. Monitor and report results.• Conduct in-process checks and verifications according to written procedures, such as verifying IDs, labels, setpoints, readings, and sample traceability. Confirm that equipment and instruments are ready for use.• Support equipment checks and turnaround activities: assemble and disassemble parts, connect and disconnect hoses/lines, replace filters/gaskets, and verify instruments and alarms using checklists.• Complete cleaning and sanitization of fermenters and downstream/pretreatment equipment (such as centrifuges and filtration skids) according to CIP/SIP and cleaning SOPs, and document in cleaning logs.• Document all work in real-time, including process checks, sample IDs, results, and any deviations. Promptly communicate status and any issues to the responsible scientist or engineer.• Support HSSE requirements for operation and maintaining a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) facility• Ability to work in a face-paced, multi-disciplinary environment, both independently and within a project team• Promote safety initiatives and champion compliance with bp’s Code of ConductRequired Education:Associate or bachelor’s degree from the following fields: chemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemistry, fermentation science or related fieldsExperience independently setting up and operating biological experimentsExperience collecting, organizing, analysing, and logging experimental dataYears of experience is flexible. This is a technician heavy position.Key skills:• Willingness to learn and follow SOPs is required.• Comfortable with routine bench work, including weighing, pipetting, solution preparation, labelling, and basic calculations or unit conversions.• Experience with aseptic technique and basic microbiology (such as dilutions and plating) is preferred.• Strong documentation skills, attention to detail, and commitment to data integrity. Must be able to read and follow SOPs, logs, and checklists.• Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting (standing for extended periods, lifting or moving typical lab items, and working around hot or pressurized systems as trained).Required qualifications:• Fermentation processes, Fermentations, Fermentation Systems, Bioreactors, sterile technique