Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary and Purpose:

The Upstream Live Technician I is responsible for manufacturing live viral antigens through egg-, cell-, and tissue culture-based production processes. This position works with a variety of laboratory technologies and manufacturing equipment including microscopes, incubators, autoclaves, centrifuges, pumps, filtration systems, tissue culture vessels, candling equipment, pH/conductivity meters, and manual or semi-automated production equipment.

The technician performs media and solution preparation, cell culture propagation, egg handling, inoculation, harvesting, environmental monitoring, equipment preparation, cleaning, sterilization, and documentation while following aseptic technique, cGMP requirements, SOPs, and safety procedures. This role supports multiple upstream manufacturing platforms and requires flexibility to work across production areas.

Responsibilities and Key Duties:

Manufacturing Operations

• Set up laboratories and production equipment aseptically for manufacturing procedures.
• Perform turnaround, assembly, disassembly, cleaning, sterilization, and aseptic reassembly of production equipment.
• Operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment including:
• Autoclaves
• Incubators
• Centrifuges
• Pumps
• Scales
• Microscopes
• pH and conductivity meters
• Bio-welders and sealers
• Tissue culture vessels
• Filtration and concentration equipment
• Prepare media, buffers, solutions, and equipment following SOPs, production records, and cGMP guidelines.
• Monitor cultures, perform sampling, and maintain process parameters.

Cell Culture and Egg Operations

• Receive, disinfect, transfer, candle, and inspect eggs and/or cells.
• Perform cell counting and microscopic examination.
• Monitor cell growth and tissue culture propagation.
• Utilize proper aseptic techniques during all production activities.
• Perform inoculation and harvesting procedures to maximize yield and minimize contamination.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete production records and documentation according to cGMP and Good Documentation Practices.
• Maintain accurate activity records and electronic database entries.
• Perform environmental monitoring during aseptic operations.

Cleaning and Facility Support

• Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of laboratories, production equipment, cleanrooms, hallways, coolers, and freezers.
• Clean and disinfect work surfaces, equipment, ceilings, walls, and floors before and after manufacturing activities.
• Wrap equipment and glassware for sterilization.
• Operate autoclaves for sterilizing supplies and equipment.
• Assist with inventory control, cycle counts, JDE transactions, and material movement.
• Transfer antigens and production materials between designated manufacturing areas.

General Responsibilities

• Utilize appropriate PPE and comply with all safety requirements.
• Maintain effective working relationships across departments.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

        Solutions out of complexity - Continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes and solve operational challenges.

        Client Focus - Demonstrates commitment to internal and external customer needs.

        Collaborate with Empathy - Builds positive working relationships and supports team success.

        Engage and Develop - Shares knowledge, accepts feedback, and promotes continuous learning.

        Drive Ambition, Accountability and Safety - Demonstrates ownership, accuracy, and commitment to safety and quality.

        Influence Others - Communicates effectively with confidence and professionalism.

Technical / Functional Competencies:

        Understanding of aseptic technique and cleanroom behavior.

        Knowledge of cell culture, tissue culture, egg propagation, and viral culture techniques.

        Ability to operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment safely.

        Good documentation practices.

        Strong attention to detail.

        Good mathematical aptitude.

        Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office.

        Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

        Strong organizational and time management skills.

        Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.

        Ability to become gown certified.

        Ability to work independently and within a fast-paced manufacturing team.

        Flexibility to work alternative shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require.

Qualifications:

Education - Associate/Bachelor's degree in Life Science preferred but not required

Work Experience -Familiarity with cell growth process and two or more years of experience in a Life Science field is preferred.  Experience in a cGMP environment is preferred.

Other - Knowledge of cGMP and cGLP procedures is desirable.  Experience with Lean Manufacturing is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

       Able to read, write, and communicate in English

       Experience prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching above shoulder-height, and stretching

       Lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds on occasions

       Use hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate office equipment, opening and closing manual values, laboratory equipment

       Visual inspection

       Daily dressing and operating in clean room required garments

       Employees must adhere to strict grooming and appearance standards. The wearing of makeup, visible piercings, false nails, nail polish, and any form of jewelry is strictly prohibited while on duty  

       Must be able to handle egg work and chicken embryo processing work

Working Conditions:

       Must be able to tolerate dynamic temperature working areas

       Clean room manufacturing laboratory

Travel Required:

       N/A

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties and responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not an employment contract.  Ceva reserves the right to modify job duties and/or job descriptions at any time to meet the needs of the business.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor
**Ceva is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ceva encourages men and women, members of all racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

669B