Microbiology Technician (Talent Pipeline)

Fredericton, NB Canada

Start date: Talent Pipeline Contract type: Permanent, Full-time

Benefits: Health & Dental Salary: $40,000 (annual)

About Chinova Bioworks:

Chinova Bioworks is a Canadian company that addresses the growing consumer demand for healthy, natural, clean-label ingredients. Chinova has developed a natural preservative extracted from mushrooms for various food and beverage products that helps to improve quality, freshness and shelf-life. The company has raised $10M in investment to date with a team that represents 90% of women in STEM.

About the role:

The Microbiology Technician will be an integral member of the R&D team and will collaborate with the operations team. This role will focus on one primary task: to assist in testing Chinova’s products against various food and beverage spoilage microorganisms. This will require the candidate to use various microbiology laboratory protocols to produce the data required to show optimal performance.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Work with various bacteria, yeast and mold species. 

  • Prepare, maintain, and perform quality control testing of all laboratory media used for the growth and propagation of microorganisms. 

  • Culture by propagation of viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic stock cultures of bacteria, yeast and molds. 

  • Maintain viability and quality control of bacterial/yeast/mold cultures used during each test. 

  • Complete microbiology assays and record data. 

  • Prepares and dispenses solutions and chemical materials used for the R&D lab which may include reagents, chemicals, acids, bases, buffers and stains. 

  • Inventories, orders, receives, and stocks materials, supplies, and equipment for R&D use. Cleans up after each lab session by washing, and if necessary, sterilizing tools, equipment, and supplies. 

  • Assist in laboratory upkeep; dishes, racking tips, wiping down work surfaces, sterilizing tools and equipment, etc. 

  • Operates scientific equipment such as autoclave, analytical balance, chromatography, spectrophotometer, pH meter, and microscopes.

  • Calibrates, maintains and performs repairs on scientific equipment and supplies. 

  • Collects, and processes hazardous waste materials and toxic chemicals resulting after R&D work; collects and properly processes and disposes of biohazard waste. 

  • Reading scientific articles to keep up to date on new techniques and knowledge of food and beverage spoilage microbes and pathogens. 

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

  • Sound understanding of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice); working aseptically, accurate pipetting, accurate weighing of reagents, etc.

  • Maintain the lab and equipment in a safe and organized manner including the handling of hazardous materials and equipment as required for R&D.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills to work rest of the R&D team, and with Operations and Engineering.

  • Reading and interpretation skills.

  • Have current knowledge of microbiology laboratory testing, methods, and procedures.  

Personal Skills:

  • Attention to detail

  • Ability to work effectively in a team

  • Pride and ownership in one’s work

  • Self-motivated and driven to meet deadlines and exceed expectations

  • Strong safety culture

  • Willingness to learn new skills and take on multiple tasks/roles

  • Ability to make decisions and execute

  • Ability to balance time, cost, and quality

  • Organizational and management skills  

Education / Experience:

Bachelor’s in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or in a related field, with experience working in a laboratory will be preferred.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to daniel.cyril@chinovabioworks.com. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming a new member to our finance team.

Natasha Dhayagude