Laboratory Technician

Company Overview: 

Rhinegeist Brewery is a regional craft brewery based in the historic Over-The-Rhine in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. We have built a strong and dedicated team of employees that believe in the power of beer to bring people together, create fantastic ideas, and build a community. Our unique group of employee-owners believes that it is our responsibility to make inspiring beverages and cultivate memorable experiences. We strive to find high-quality, creative solutions with a fierce spirit of independence as we grow. Rhinegeist welcomes all people and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary: 

The Lab Technician II functions as an integral part of the Rhinegeist Quality lab team. Within this capacity, your responsibilities will encompass conducting a range of fundamental analytical, microbiological, or chemical/physical assessments on products in various stages of production, raw materials, and process controls. Upholding the principles of GLP and adhering to Rhinegeist’s finest protocols, you will oversee and validate product excellence. This opportunity is emerging to occupy a vacancy within our Microbiology Workgroup.

 Directly reporting to the Quality Lab Manager, this role maintains close collaboration with the brewing and packaging units.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Performs timely and accurate sampling and processing of samples throughout the brewing, fermenting, processing, and packaging operations.
• Prepare DNA extractions and purifications from in process beer in preparation for qPCR. Operation of qPCR system and interpretation of results.
• Reporting data to the different operational teams to stabilize and improve the brewing and packaging process and using LIMS to record and analyze data.
• Prepare and inoculate various culture media for incubation and subsequent evaluation using both microscopy and molecular methods.
• Maintains a safe, clean, sterile laboratory work environment. This includes daily maintenance, cleaning and sterilizing of sampling bottles, equipment (sterile filtration apparatus, autoclaves, incubators, etc.) tools, and work areas.

Requirements: 

• Day shift role (6:00 am to 2:00 pm) with occasional weekend availability required. Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Brewing Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Fermentation Science, Chemical Engineering).
• Knowledge and experience working in a Microbiology lab.
• Entry level to 1-2 years of experience in a Quality lab or Brewery setting. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be familiar with the basic brewing process as well as basic brewing quality lab procedures.
• Must be 21 years of age.

Preferred Requirements: 

• Able to design primer/probe assays for qPCR.
• Experience with cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
• Interest in R&D using brewing yeast and relevant beer spoilage yeast and bacteria. Preference to work independently with minimal supervision.

Please consider applying even if you do not match all the listed qualifications. Additionally, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position. 

Benefits at Rhinegeist 

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Basic Life Insurance
• 17 days of PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Paid Short-Term/Long-Term Disability/Additional Life Insurance
• Dependent Care – Flexible Spending Account
• 401k Match Offered
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Free Breakroom Snacks
• Beer and Merchandise allowance