Production Lead

Lumen Bioscience is hiring a Production Lead to manage day-to-day operations on our production floor, including growing and harvesting algae in Lumen’s photobioreactor system following written SOPs. Primary responsibilities include managing daily Production operations, building and maintaining production schedules, maintaining Production inventories and stock levels, and supporting Production activities in a clean, food-grade environment.

This role focuses on safe and compliant Production under cGMP and Lumen’s QMS. The Production Lead will perform cleaning, inspection, and light maintenance in production areas; manage wet, dry, and/or powder processes; conduct daily sampling and sample processing; and accurately complete GMP paperwork and lot/batch records. This position also trains Production Assistants and Production Associate’s in all aspects of Production operations and includes Saturday and Sunday workday as part of the regular schedule. If you bring strong commercial food or beverage production experience, are safety-minded and mechanically competent, and enjoy working as part of a cross-functional team, we encourage you to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Production Operations:
  • Manage day-to-day operations on the Production floor.
  • Assist with inoculations, transfers, harvests, and cleaning activities in Lumen’s photobioreactor system following written SOPs.
  • Manage wet, dry, and/or powder processes following Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Operate under current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), requiring careful attention to detail and the ability to conduct operations strictly according to procedure under hygienic conditions.
  • Strictly adhere to food and personal safety standards and protocols to ensure a safe working environment for both the operator and other team members, and production of a safe and compliant food product.
  • Complete GMP paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Work a schedule that includes either a Saturday or Sunday workday as part of the regular work schedule.
• Scheduling & Inventory Management:
  • Build and maintain production schedules.
  • Act as point person for Production inventories and stock levels.
  • Coordinate with the Production Head and Food Safety Team to schedule operations and ensure that operations are compliant with Lumen’s quality management system (FSSC 22000).
• Cleaning, Maintenance & Sampling
  • Clean, inspect, and conduct light maintenance in production areas.
  • Conduct daily sampling and sample processing, recording results in lot/batch records.
  • Use pipettes, mechanical pipettors, balances, and spectrophotometer as required by Production activities.
• Training & Team Support
  • Train Production Assistants and Production Associate’s in all aspects of Production operations.
  • Communicate across multiple cross-functional levels to support Production operations.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education and Experience:
  • 4–6 years experience in a commercial food or beverage production environment or equivalent with clean operations experience.
  • Some coursework in biology and/or a scientific background in a biology field (preferred).
  • Some experience working in a production environment that is governed by a quality assurance system such as ISO 9001 or the like, including:
    • Document control systems.
    • Batch/lot recordkeeping processes.
    • Rigorously documented operating procedures.
    • Regular cleaning and quality testing procedures.
  • Skills and Attributes:
    • Ability to understand, follow and give detailed operational procedures and work instructions.
    • Attention to detail and enthusiasm for maintaining the working environment.
    • Good office-type computer skills.
    • Mechanical competence, including ability to use pumps and hoses for transfer of liquids.
    • Safety-minded: safe and hygienic workplace practices are mandatory.
    • Ability to communicate across multiple cross-functional levels.
    • Basic knowledge of high-level operations.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills and team focus, along with a desire to learn new processes.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work Saturday & Sunday
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time (2 or more hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 kg
• Ability to safely manipulate hoses, air lines, and sanitary tri-clamps
• Ability to use step stools and ladders in accordance with Lumen’s workplace safety protocols

Benefits at Lumen Bioscience:

• Stock bonus
• Health, Dental, and Vision premiums fully covered by Lumen
• 401k match up to 4%
• Industry-leading PTO policy, paid refresh days, and paid year-end holiday office closure
• Monthly wellness program to support your health and well-being
• Free onsite parking or public transportation subsidies
• Comprehensive parental leave policies
• Life insurance, short & long-term disability, and access to employee assistance programs

At Lumen Bioscience, we foster a workplace built on collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge biotechnology and the advancement of global health solutions.

Join us to shape innovative solutions and drive operational excellence.