Fermentation Lab Technician

NatureWorks is an advanced materials company offering a broad portfolio of renewably sourced polymers and chemicals to the packaging, polymers, fibers, and chemicals markets. With performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers, naturally advanced Ingeo™ polymers are valued for their unique functional properties and are used in consumer products from coffee capsules and electronics to diapers and wipes. and in larger applications like 3D printing materials.

NatureWorks is jointly owned by Cargill and Thailand’s largest, and ASEAN’s leading, integrated petrochemical and refining company, PTT Global Chemical.

Position Purpose:

The Fermentation Lab Technician is responsible for the safe execution of the day-to-day operations, commitment to monitor all machines and equipment for smooth operation of the production plant. This position will work closely with other team members and be responsible for personal and plant safety, environmental compliance, strictly follow the shift schedule and operate follow the company procedures, continuous improvement in the quality of our product, execute all laboratory activities, complete the log sheet / book, finding the abnormality and carries out other instruction and report to Fermentation Technologist. This position requires working in 12-hour shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The Fermentation Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the Plant Operations team in achieving the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.

Environmental, Health & Safety Leadership 

• Operates safely within NatureWorks policies, procedures and governmental regulations and fully participates in and champions NatureWorks Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) Programs.

• Ensures the EH&S and Industrial Hygiene Programs are being followed and provides a safe working environment to our employees, contractors, and customers. 

• Accountable for building a strong safety culture and actively pursues it daily, identifies unsafe behaviors and conditions and intervenes to mitigate incidents.

• Understands and applies environmental, health and safety regulations and policies.

• Participate in safety programs, training and drills to increase safety self awareness.

Operations

• Conducts simple experiments with minimal complexity.

• Generates and analyzes data from well-established methodologies under standard conditions. 

• Follows template or standard procedure to review and present results. 

• Assure raw material, in-process sample and products meet specifications through in-process and final product approval compliance checks relative to internal and external specifications.

• Completes specifically assigned tasks accurately and on time, including some instrument maintenance, drawing on detailed instructions or previous experience with similar tasks.

• Generates and interprets technical results and documents information. 

• Provide/Support process improvement support, specialized testing, training, system audit support, data analysis, trend identification, troubleshooting, corrective action, and communication regarding raw material data, process data and final product.

• Operates Fermentation Laboratory scales up the Fermenter from Seed Fermenter No.0 to Seed Fermenter No.1, and preparedness of raw material for Seed Fermenter No.2.

• Control inventory of all chemical consumable and other in laboratory and report to supervisor to avoid shortage of supply.

• Ensure stable of the production process to achieve department goals and KPI.

• Work upon supervisor’s assignments or any other job duties as assign.

Internal Collaboration and Communication

• Communicates quality, equipment issues, and service issues with supervisor.

• Commitment to continuous improvement in our quality and cost control efforts.

• Contributes ideas and behaviors to meet NatureWorks objectives in continuous improvement and cost control on a regular basis.

Housekeeping

• Maintains the general appearance of the Fermentation Laboratory including cleaning and other laboratory duties as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Required:

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• 1+ years of laboratory testing experience.

• Basic math skills.

• Proficient in various computer programs.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Strong analytical skills and experience with good laboratory practices.

• Proven ability to anticipate, recognize, solve process and laboratory problems.

• Experience working with an enterprise resource planning platform, such as SAP.

• Experience working with electronic laboratory data tools, such as LIMS.

• Experience working with Fermentation Laboratory.

Other (knowledge, skills, and abilities):

• Ability to prioritize, plan, execute and monitor multiple activities.

• Knowledge of NatureWorks production technology and equipment.

• Ability to work successfully in a manufacturing environment.

• Supports NatureWorks vision and values through project / teamwork.

• Strong customer focus and service orientation with the ability to interact effectively with employees and vendors at all levels in a cross-cultural setting.

• Understands the plans for meeting the business strategy and objectives, and how it relates to daily activities.

• Demonstrates speed and flexibility as appropriate in responding and adapting to changes.

• Promotes cooperation within the team and between teams.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a challenging and developing environment; willingness to take on new responsibilities as our business evolves.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Standard work hours are 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Willing to work in a manufacturing plant environment that can be hot, dirty, and encompassing all levels.

• Willing to work in basic maintenance to support plant reliability.

• Ability to work in a potentially physically strenuous environment. 

• Must have the ability to work in a plant environment. 

• Have reliable transportation.