Process Development Research Associate

COMPANY INFORMATION

Probi® is a global leader in biotic solutions, dedicated to researching, manufacturing, and delivering high‑quality biotics for dietary supplements and functional food and beverage applications. Rooted in science, and working closely with customers and research partners, Probi aims to empower people worldwide to take control of their gut microbiome, helping them live healthier, longer lives.

Founded in 1991 in Sweden, Probi has grown to serve more than 40 markets and holds numerous global patents. As part of Symrise AG, the company benefits from expanded capabilities, resources, and worldwide reach, further strengthening its position as an innovation leader in the biotics category.

Why Us? Because We're Not Just a Company; We're a Community:

• People Focus: Probi isn't just about products; it's about the people behind them. Join a community that values collaboration, diversity, and the unique contributions each team member brings.
• Own It Culture: At Probi, we believe in empowerment. Our 'Own It' culture means you're not just following a script; you're part of shaping it.
• Sustainability Matters: We're committed to a sustainable future. Join a team that cares about the environment, values responsible practices, and is dedicated to making a positive impact.

We are currently seeking candidates for our Process Development Research Associate position to work in our manufacturing plant in Redmond, WA. This full-time position(s) reports to the Process Development Lead.

Schedule is Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Occasional Friday if needed. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The role is hands-on laboratory position working in a team responsible for development of robust processes for fermentation, harvest, and lyophilization of probiotics.
The role is responsible for developing and making fermentation media, assisting and designing various experiments, and performing readings of laboratory assays.  

The individual must be comfortable working in a lab and in a production setting. The role includes individual and teamwork, so the ability to work independently efficiently, and collaborate with others is a must. We are looking for a science-minded individual, who has a passion for probiotics and improving the fermentation production process of microorganisms.  

KEY JOB DUTIES

• Prepares and maintains all laboratory media used for the growth and propagation of microorganisms.  

• Perform plate counts and run flow cytometer to aid team in data collection
  

• Plan and perform bacterial fermentations experiments in lab-scale bioreactors
  

• Perform downstream processing experiments for optimization of probiotic stability. 

• Operate and maintain scientific equipment such as autoclave, analytical balance, pH meter, flow cytometer, plate reader/spectrophotometer, bioreactors, and microscopes. 

• Assist in the scale-up of laboratory experiments to production scale. Be comfortable in a production environment.
  

• Be able to work in a shared lab space and maintain a clean and organized lab bench in addition to displaying excellent time management skills to work around shared equipment constraints
  

• Maintain detailed and well‑structured laboratory records, perform scientific data analysis, and deliver executive summaries of laboratory experiments both orally and in writing. 

• Able to work effectively as a member of a cross-functional team
  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, with a capability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timeline.
  

• Perform other duties as necessary.  

WORK EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, or food science.  

• Experience with fermentation of bacteria or other microorganisms. 

• Industrial fermentation experience from dairy, brewing, food production, or bioprocessing.  

• Possess a solid understanding of microbiology, microbiology laboratory work, and experimental design.  

• Prepared to work under cGMP regulations and quality requirements of production. 

• Manufacturing or regulatory knowledge: Understands the regulatory and compliance requirements for food and nutritional supplement manufacturing.  

COMPANY REQUIREMENTS 

• Adhering to strict confidentiality policies and procedures
  

• Must be able to recognize audible and visual hazards
  

• Ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
  

• Must follow GMP, PPE, and company safety policies in the performance of job duties
  

• Must be able to work in a variety of conditions
  

• Must maintain good attendance
  

• Able to pass a background check.
  

SOME OF OUR US BENEFITS

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage after 30 days (and first day of the following month). Three (3) plans to choose from.
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance at no cost to employee.
• PTO (Paid Time Off) accrues on hire with up to 4 weeks (20 days) for new hire and increases the longer you are with the company.
• Participation in the company 401(K) and Roth plan after 6 months of employment with up to 4% employer match.  
• Ten (10) paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program
• 17 hours per calendar year, to go out and volunteer in your community!
• Yearly Safety shoe vouchers. 
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Monthly birthday and anniversary celebrations.
• Team-building events throughout the year including summer and winter celebrations.
  

At Probi USA, we believe hiring should be fair, objective, and centered around helping candidates succeed. That’s why we have partnered with Alva Labs’ to use science-based and fair assessments. The Psychometric Assessments from, Alva Labs help us understand key traits—such as logic and personality—that contribute to success in this role.

Many Candidates tell us they enjoy taking these assessments as it gives them personal insights on how they naturally work and help support why they would fit in a role that is fair and unbiased.

Please watch for an email from Alva Labs with your assessment link. Completing the assessment is required to move forward in our process.

Thank you for taking this important step with us!

Probi USA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other protected factor.  

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