Valent Biosciences seeks a Microbiology QC Analyst

Valent BioSciences is a global organization that embraces a team-focused, fast-paced, challenging and professional work environment offering its employees room to grow. As a leading supplier of environmentally friendly, highly effective products and services for agriculture, public health, and forestry, we are always looking for people who share our passion and commitment to improving the quality of life for people worldwide. The Valent Biosciences manufacturing site located on an expansive 73-acre site in Osage, IA is a state of the art 130,000 square foot plant
and is the largest purpose-built biorational facility in the world. It serves as the manufacturing and quality control center for Valent Biosciences broad portfolio of fermentation products.

 

Job Summary and Key Objectives
This position is responsible for the testing of in-process and final product for Valent BioSciences Corporation. The individual will be responsible for scheduling testing as well as maintaining and ensuring the availability of materials needed for testing. The individual must adhere to testing schedules to accomplish a high volume of critical work without compromising the integrity of the results while meeting the scheduling needs of manufacturing. Good documentation practices and well as the ability to follow and comprehend a written procedure is a requirement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 Testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished goods.
 Advanced troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and administer simple repairs as needed.
 Perform bioburden testing according to standard bacteriology methods.
 Bacterial culture inoculations and testing in a cleanroom setting.
 Completion of bench records and data entry.
 Conduct Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) testing accordance to regulations.
RESPONSIBILITIES (ISO 17025)
 Comply with the QMS in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
 Responsible for supporting the Quality Manual and associated QMS documents.
 Notify supervisor if facility and environmental conditions are not suitable for lab activities.
 Identify and report deviations/nonconforming work and participate in corrective/preventive actions as
needed.
 Follow standard test methods and other work instructions and document quality activities as required.
This includes handling of samples and performing analyses.
 Maintains and standardize equipment.
 Participate in continuous improvement activities in the laboratory.
AUTHORITIES (ISO 17025)
 Authorized to perform specific test work according to documented training and competency.
 Submit QMS documents for changes, updates and/or improvements.
 Operate specific equipment as needed.
 Authorized to analyze, review and report test results in the Laboratory Information Management System.
 Authorized to participate in modification, verification and validation of test methods.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES and TASKS
 Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment and instrumentation.
 Preparation of standards and stock solutions.
 Maintenance of test methods and test procedures.
 Data Entry within Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
 Conduct and / or assist with laboratory investigations and deviations.
 Adhere to testing schedules to accomplish a high volume of critical work without compromising the
integrity of the results while meeting the scheduling needs of manufacturing.
 Must have flexibility to work some off-shift and weekend hours.
 Other duties as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION
 B.A or B.S. in Microbiology, Virology, Biology, Chemistry or related field. Minimum of 5 year’s equivalent
experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
 Experience with Good Aseptic Technique.
 Experience with Good Lab Practices (GLP) is beneficial.
 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) experience or knowledge is beneficial.
 Understanding of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
 Understanding of bacterial based assays.
 Good inter-departmental communication (written / verbal) required.
 Ability to write, comprehend, and understand written scientific procedures.
 Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and other spreadsheet/database software.
 Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data.