at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Bioprocessing Pilot Plant Junior Specialist or SpecialistIntegrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL)
Be a part of our story. The Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) is leading the way in food and bioprocessing research, teaching, and scale-up activities. Our facilities include over 50,000 sq. ft. of recently constructed and modernized pilot plant, laboratory, and collaborative space filled with over $15M in pilot-scale processing equipment. Our clients range from start-up businesses to Fortune 500 companies in addition to our work supporting major federal research grants, traditional classes, and continuing education opportunities for industry.
We are continually adding new capabilities to our program and are excited to build upon our excellent staff through a strategic hire with the following responsibilities:
Job Summary
Manage and perform research, education, and technical work in the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) Pilot Processing Plant.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Organize and perform the day-to-day research, operations, and safety oversight of the IBRL pilot plant and laboratory. Prepare for research trials by students, faculty, and outside researchers. (25%)
- Serve within a team of research specialists with overall responsibility for operating and maintaining all food and bioprocessing research equipment in facility. Ensure equipment is available and ready for use. (20%)
- Provide expertise to faculty, students, and outside users performing research to ensure safe and successful use of facility equipment, including coordinating with outside contractors as necessary. (15%)
- Assist with certain business functions including but not limited to: consumable supplies ordering, shipping, inventory tracking, and property accounting. (10%)
- Implement technical training in the areas of equipment operation, safety, and research methodology/data analysis as it pertains to IBRL pilot plant scale-up and testing. (5%)
- Assist with research equipment and light facility repairs in the IBRL pilot plant and laboratory. Make recommendations for facility and equipment repairs, improvements, and upgrades. (5%)
- Maintain IBRL pilot plant to GMP standards. Assist in creation of and enforce written operating and safety procedures for IBRL. Participate in any inspections or audits as required. (5%)
- Coordinate with other IBRL technical specialists on activities in the facility. Maintain general knowledge of procedures and equipment to serve as backup to other members on team.(5%)
- Pursue ongoing professional development: Stay abreast of developing processing technologies, industry product trends, and safety programs. (2.5%)
- Represent IBRL at conferences, meetings, and other related activities as requested. (1.25%)
- Serve as backup 24/7 emergency contact for Public Safety and Facilities & Services. (1.25%)
- Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Technical Systems Management, Food Science, or closely related field
- For the Specialist level, knowledge and understanding of common food, chemical, and bioenergy industry processing techniques, GMPs, plant safety, and pilot scale processing equipment
- For the Specialist level, Master's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Technical Systems Management, Food Science, or closely related field
Required:
- 1+ years of work experience operating food, bioprocessing, or related equipment (3+ years for Specialist)
- For the Specialist level, 3+ years of experience supervising and training others in an educational or production environment
- Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing processing equipment
- Knowledge of/experience with research principles, research methodology, and analyzing/interpreting research data
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- 2+ years of experience working in a food or bioprocessing pilot-scale or production facility (5+ years for Specialist )
- 1+ years of experience operating industrial fermentation or extrusion equipment (2+ years for Specialist )
- Experience in supervising and training others in an educational or manufacturing environment
Required:
- Knowledge of/experience with research principles, research methodology, and analyzing/interpreting research data
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to lift 50lbs
Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet environments or with equipment that is heated
Ability to stand, climb, or interact with equipment at various heights
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $49,400 to $62,400 at the Junior Specialist level and $62,400 to $75,400 at the Specialist level. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 1, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Brian Jacobson, bjacbos3@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1032161
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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