About CycloKinetics
CycloKinetics is advancing the next generation of high-performance propellants for aerospace and defense. Our highly innovative technology allows us to harness existing energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance fuels and propellants across aviation, aerospace, and defense applications.
We are a team of engineers, scientists, and operators driven by performance, innovation, and national security impact focused on building scalable, domestic energy solutions that power the future of propulsion. CycloKinetics is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Job Summary
CycloKinetics is seeking a Bioprocess Specialist Level 1 to join our Bioprocess team and support the hands-on execution of fermentation and bioprocess operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional who wants to build practical experience operating bioreactors, executing fermentation processes, troubleshooting equipment and process issues, and supporting the development and scale-up of innovative bioprocess technologies.
The Bioprocess Specialist Level 1 is an entry-level technical role responsible for supporting daily bioprocess activities, including fermentation execution, bioreactor operation, media and inoculum preparation, sampling, process monitoring, troubleshooting, and data collection. The position emphasizes safe and reliable bioreactor operation, aseptic technique, strict adherence to established protocols, and accurate documentation of process data.
In this role, you will independently execute fermentation runs using established protocols, monitor critical process parameters, perform first-line troubleshooting, and collect high-quality data for scientists and engineers. You will also support process development and scale-up activities by executing experiments designed by scientists and engineers and providing accurate observations and experimental results.
This position is ideal for someone with education or hands-on experience in bioprocessing, biotechnology, fermentation, microbiology, biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, or biomanufacturing who enjoys working in a hands-on laboratory and process environment.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and consistently follow Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements, laboratory procedures, and established work practices.
- Work independently and collaboratively under the direction of the Manager/Supervisor to accomplish assigned objectives and fermentation activities.
- Perform job duties in a safety-regulated industrial environment where chemicals, process equipment, machinery, and other potential workplace hazards may be present.
- Safely handle, measure, mix, and transport chemical substances in accordance with established procedures using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Execute daily operations of the fermentation processes, ensuring adherence to protocols.
- Prepare media, feed solutions, buffers, supplements, and other process materials according to defined formulations and volumes.
- Operate autoclaves and perform sterilization of media, vessels, and supporting equipment while verifying sterilization outcomes.
- Prepare and maintain seed cultures, plates, and inoculum in accordance with established protocols.
- Assemble and commission bench-scale bioreactors, including vessel build-up, probe installation, tubing, filters, connections, and leak checks.
- Calibrate pH and dissolved oxygen probes and verify calibration prior to fermentation runs.
- Maintain proper aseptic technique throughout setup, inoculation, sampling, feeding, and other process activities.
- Independently execute fermentation runs following established protocols and experimental instructions.
- Monitor critical process parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, airflow, agitation, pressure, and feed rate, against established control limits.
- Execute protocol-defined feed profiles, setpoint changes, and process steps as written. Refer proposed changes to feed strategy, media formulation, or control strategy to the responsible scientist, engineer, specialist, or supervisor.
- Perform clean-out, teardown, and turnaround of vessels between runs.
- Maintain equipment, ensuring routine checks, calibrations, and operational readiness.
- Support scale-up activities from lab to pilot scale by executing experiments and collecting data under the direction of senior staff.
- Collect samples at scheduled intervals and prepare them for downstream analytical testing, including dilution, filtration, centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling.
- Submit prepared samples to the analytical function for HPLC, off-gas, and other instrument testing, and track sample status to completion.
- Record online process data and manual observations at the frequency required by established protocols.
- Document deviations, excursions, and equipment faults as they occur, including the time, observed condition, and action taken.
- Assist with the documentation and methods used for product development, scale-up, and implementation.
- Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, including notebooks, test results, and data, in accordance with company guidelines on documentation, storage, and control.
- Participate in meetings and planning sessions and provide work updates or summaries as requested.
- Demonstrate effective communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Suite and related programs.
- Must be able to work non-standard hours in accordance with the rigors of fermentation.
- Limited travel may be required to perform production runs.
- Work is performed in a combination of an office, laboratory, pilot plant, manufacturing, and industrial environments.
- May climb stairs, ladders, platforms, or elevated structures when necessary and appropriately trained.
- May work around process equipment, piping, pressure systems, chemicals, gases, heated surfaces, rotating equipment, and machinery.
- This position requires working in an industrial facility where temperatures may fluctuate due to seasonal conditions and manufacturing operations.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or related field, with 0 – 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic or industrial settings.
- Associate degree with 1 – 4 years of relevant bioprocessing or biomanufacturing experience or High School Diploma or GED with 2 – 5 years of direct industry experience.
- Hands-on experience with bioreactor operations, or equivalent coursework and laboratory training in fermentation.
- Demonstrated working aseptic technique.
- Experience with media preparation and autoclave operation at laboratory scale preferred.
- Experience with bench-scale bioreactor systems preferred.
- Exposure to analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, or Mass spectrometry, including sample preparation requirements, is a plus.
- Strong communication and documentation skills, with an ability to accurately record and report experimental data.
- Familiarity with bioprocess control software and data historians is a plus.
- Prior experience successfully participating in work teams where personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results were required is essential.
Physical Demands
Physical requirements may include lifting and/or moving items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, standing, reaching, climbing, walking, and prolonged sitting may be required. Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies. Personal protective equipment is provided by the company, and its use is mandatory.
General
This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CycloKinetics is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screens.
Benefits
CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
- 15 Days of PTO
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401(k) Savings Plan (including Roth options)
- Basic Life Insurance
- Dependent Life Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Short-Term Disability (STD)
- Long-Term Disability (LTD)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Parental Leave
- ESOP
- Bonus Potential
EEO Statement
CycloKinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CycloKinetics are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!
FLSA Classification: Exempt
No outside recruiters, please. This position is being filled directly by our internal hiring team. We do not accept inquiries or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.