Operations Technician

** Job Description*
* For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science.  Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology.  Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence.  Because when it comes to animal health,  
** no one sees it like we do.*
* Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.

** Position Description*
* This mid-shift Technician position is available within the SUB (single-use bioreactor)-processing Department at our company's Animal Health facility in De Soto, Kansas, located near Kansas City metropolitan area.  The DeSoto facility is expanding operations to manufacturing vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals.  Leveraging an experienced and innovative team environment, the key technologies at the site are biologics production using fermentation and cell culture platforms, filling and packaging.

The De Soto facility is part of our company's Animal Health Manufacturing Division network and is a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products.

Working as a Technician in the SUB (single-use bioreactor)-processing team you will learn the manufacturing processes associated with the large-scale manufacture of M.Hyo antigen as well as be expected to be able to contribute to the daily completion and schedule adherence of other production activities within the team.  The antigen manufacturing operation is made up of teams that carry out the production activities for the preparation and sterilization of equipment, preparation and sterilization of media components, fermentation of bacterial antigens, downstream processing of bacterial antigens and serial batching of antigens to blend the final vaccines prior to sterile filling.

This department is responsible for the end-to-end production of an antigen at De Soto, which is a key component of swine vaccines manufactured at the site.  Primary tasks for the team will include fermentation activities from breakout to large scale fermentation, set up and operation of SUBs and neutralization vessels and downstream processing of the antigen using ultrafiltration methods.

This position requires someone who can demonstrate good attention to detail and achieve a consistent error-free execution of daily job responsibilities, be able to complete documentation using Good Documentation Practices and be able to identify opportunities for process improvement and employ basic problem-solving skills.

*
* Education:

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* + High school diploma or GED required

+ Associate or Bachelor's degree within a science discipline or equivalent preferred

** Required

Experience and Skills:

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* + Proficient oral and written communication skills.

+ Able to follow/comply with Manufacturing Directions, Standard Operating Procedures, Company/Corporate/Regulatory Policies.

+ Can demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines.

+ Can demonstrate the ability to perform basic laboratory procedures.

+ Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively with team members and show initiative to support others on the team when needed.

+ Proficient computer skills including MS Word and MS Excel.

** Preferred

Experience and Skills:

*
* + Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

+ Experience working with cell culture techniques or protein separation.

+ A good understanding of aseptic processes used in manufacturing.

+ Experience using quality improvement tools and continuous improvement processes and site quality metrics.

+ Experience working with single-use bioreactors and mixers.

** Shift and Hours*
* + Monday to Friday | Mid Shift 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM

+ Occasional weekend work is…