Job Title: Bioprocess Research Technician
Location: Lemont, IL 60439
Hire Type: Contract (3-Year Assignment)
Compensation: $30.00–$38.00/hr (depending on experience)
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a 401(k) plan, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Sterling Engineering is seeking a Bioprocess Research Technician to support ongoing environmental biotechnology and bioengineering research initiatives within a collaborative laboratory environment. This long-term opportunity will involve hands-on laboratory work, including bioreactor operations, analytical testing, sample analysis, and laboratory management activities supporting multiple research projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct literature reviews and summarize technical findings to support research activities.
- Operate, monitor, and maintain bioreactors and fermenters used in environmental and bioprocess applications.
- Collect and analyze samples from laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
- Perform DNA isolation and prepare samples for qPCR and metagenomic analyses.
- Conduct analytical testing using spectrophotometry and other laboratory equipment.
- Operate analytical instrumentation including FT-IR, UV-VIS, GC, and HPLC systems.
- Support laboratory organization, sample management, data archiving, and recordkeeping.
- Assist with health and safety initiatives, including hazard assessments and maintaining a safe laboratory environment.
- Compile experimental data and present findings during regular team meetings.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
- Experience operating bioreactors and/or fermenters in a laboratory or research setting.
- Hands-on experience with analytical laboratory equipment and testing techniques.
- Familiarity with molecular biology methods, including DNA isolation and qPCR sample preparation.
- Understanding of laboratory safety practices, QA/QC principles, and environmental health and safety procedures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid driver's license required.
Schedule:
- Monday through Friday
- Standard business hours
- 100% onsite in Lemont, IL
Why Apply?
- Long-term, stable 3-year contract opportunity
- Exposure to cutting-edge environmental biotechnology and bioprocess research
- Collaborative team environment with opportunities to contribute to meaningful scientific projects
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package through Sterling Engineering