Virus Tech 1

Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded, global organization with a rich history in animal health and nutrition as a manufacturer and marketer of medicated feed additives, vaccines, nutritional specialty products, and mineral nutrition. We strive to be a trusted partner with livestock producers, farmers, veterinarians, and consumers who raise or care for farm and companion animals by providing solutions to help them maintain and enhance the health of their animals.

About the role

The Virus Tech 1 is an integral part of our Virus team based out of our Phibro Vaccine Omaha Office in Omaha, NE. The Virus Tech is responsible for growing cells and virus cultures used in the manufacture of viral vaccines. This includes cell passages, viral inoculations, viral harvests, and viral inactivations. All work is performed with strict adherence to company SOPs and USDA regulations. This position may require evening, weekend, and holiday scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory procedures in an aseptic environment according to and in compliance with all SOPs and Outlines of Production.
• Prepares media used for growth of cells and/or virus using calibrated vessels, pipettes, graduated cylinders, and scales.
• Performs cell passages in roller bottles as per SOP so adequate cells are available for production of virus cultures.
• Performs all aspects of virus antigen production including inoculation, harvest, and inactivation of virus cultures.
• Accurately completes all batch records and other required documentation.
• Checks for expired reagents and disposes of expired reagents as per approved procedures.
• Performs laboratory maintenance, disposes waste as appropriate, keeps area neat and clean.
• Maintains sufficient laboratory supplies on hand. Documents cleaning performed as per SOP.
• Performs routine equipment monitoring and cleaning and documentation as stated by SOP.
• Understands and follows all safety guidelines and procedures.
• Assists in preparation of SOPs and training of new personnel.
• Manages individual schedule and assigned lab work.
• Performs environmental monitoring of area as required.
• Data entry in an accurate and timely manner as required.
• Laboratory may require long periods of standing while wearing aseptic apparel which may include TyVek suit and respirator.
• Recommends equipment and process improvements in order to increase efficiency or improve safety practices.
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment such as microscopes, pH machines, pipettors, and scales preferred.

Requirements

• High degree of time management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities and projects at once.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Preferred: Bachelor degree in a scientific discipline with one or more year(s) experience working in a scientific field.
• Minimum: Associates degree in a scientific discipline with one or more years’ experience working in a scientific field.
• Ability to listen and interpret instructions provided in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Ability to define and solve practical problems.
• Calculate media requirements for cell passage and/or virus propagation.
• Verify that equipment is available to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to schedule assigned tasks in an efficient manner while adhering to trafficking protocols.
• Determine if virus antigen has reached optimal harvest point.
• Determine if cells have reached sufficient growth for expansion.
• Recognize and report any questionable issues/events that might arise.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret in the English language.
• Proficient writing and organization skills required to document procedures and track documentation.
• Knowledge of basic math required. Familiarity with scientific notation and metric system preferred.
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel preferred.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand and bend for long periods.
• Lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs. and occasionally maneuver carts weighing up to 110 lbs.
• Will be required to lift a negligible amount of weight frequently or constantly.
• Must be able to stoop, reach, stand, walk, grasp, and perform repetitive motions during shift.
• Requires good eyesight for measurements and hand-eye coordination for manipulation of roller bottles.

Work Environment

• Work is in aseptic area requiring aseptic apparel such as sterile gown and/or TyVek Suit.
• Use of a respirator may be required.
• Operations of laboratory equipment.
• Required to bend frequently.
• Required to sit frequently.
• Required to stand frequently.
• Required to talk or hear constantly.
• Required to use hands constantly.
• Required to walk frequently.
• Specific vision abilities include ability to adjust focus, close vision, depth perception, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

Schedule

Monday - Friday (Standard Work hours)