Microbiome Production Technician

About the role

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago is a leading institution in microbiome research, utilizing advanced technologies in state-of-the-art facilities to advance research and develop novel interventions that enhance human health. This at-will position is funded by contractual grants and is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the bioprocessing team to define and characterize live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) for scalable production within a cGMP biomanufacturing facility.
• Assist in optimizing media formulation and fermentation conditions for various anaerobic bacteria.
• Help refine fermentation parameters to enhance LBP yield and viability.
• Identify harvest conditions that maximize viability and stability of LBPs.
• Perform rigorous Quality Control (QC) testing, including CFU counts, USP compendial tests, for drug substance and drug products.
• Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment under guidance from senior Production associates such as Anaerobic chambers, Biological safety cabinets, Bioreactors/fermenters, Tangential flow filtration systems, Lyophilization system, MALDI Biotyper, spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
• Conduct biomanufacturing operations – including environmental monitoring, media production, fermentation, tangential filtration, lyophilization, encapsulation, and facility cleaning – in a cGMP cleanroom environment.
• Maintain the highest standards of laboratory workplace safety, quality, and cGMP compliance.
• Meticulously record executed work in batch records, logs, and forms as outlined per established SOPs.
• Support QA, QC, and regulatory documentation and audit requirements.
• Follow all verbal and written instructions and procedures for processes and equipment.
• Identify and report non-conforming events promptly.
• Consistently comply with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of patient results and data.

Requirements

Hands-on experience in biomanufacturing is desired. Experience in operating general laboratory equipment: balances, vortex, pH meters, centrifuge and microscope. Experience in basic laboratory techniques: pipetting, aseptic technique, serial dilutions, plate streaking, weighing solids, and making buffers and standard solutions. Experience working with aerobic and anaerobic microbes, including cultivation and handling techniques under aseptic conditions.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Biological, Chemical, or Bioprocess Engineering.
• Degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering or a closely related life sciences field also considered.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for bioprocess optimization.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively within interdisciplinary team environments.
• Teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability in regulated biomanufacturing environment.
• Consistent, dependable performance and strong work ethic; regular attendance and reliability.
• Ability to work for extended periods in cGMP/cleanroom environments while maintaining attention to detail and safety protocols.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ensuring clear and professional documentation and interpersonal interaction.
• Experience in performing CFU (colony-forming unit) counts and USP compendial testing to ensure product identity, potency, purity, and safety.
• Demonstrates proficiency in essential laboratory techniques, equipment operation, aseptic processing, and accurate sample handling.
• Demonstrates proficiency in Good Documentation Practices (GDP), accurate record keeping, and maintaining detailed batch records, logs, and forms to support regulatory compliance and product traceability.
• Upholds rigorous standards of cleanliness and organization in the laboratory and cleanroom environments.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, retirement, and paid time off. For more information, refer to the Benefits Guidebook.