Laboratory Assistant - Bioprocess

Main Functions

The Laboratory Assistant will join the Process Lab in Lallemand Corporate R&D, a group operating at the interface between laboratory research and industrial production. Our team contributes to research and development activities at the heart of microbial fermentation and biotechnology, performing process development and scale-up for industrial yeasts. Our scope spans a wide range of projects across multiple application sectors (e.g., baking, brewing, oenology, biofuels, bioingredients, etc.). The Laboratory Assistant will support the planning, execution, and documentation of yeast propagation and downstream processing activities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work with bioreactors and lab equipment, troubleshooting, and helping to maintain a high functioning laboratory environment. You will contribute to daily lab operations, equipment upkeep, scheduling, and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating closely with other team members. The selected candidate will work under the guidance of Research Assistants, Associates, Scientists, and the R&D Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Bioprocess Operations

• Operate and maintain 20 L bioreactors (ability to oversee two reactors simultaneously)
• Operate and maintain downstream equipment (e.g., separator, fluidized bed dryer, filter press, extruder)
• Perform in-process batch quality checks according to internal protocols

Laboratory Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain standard lab equipment (e.g., incubators, centrifuges, analytical instruments)
• Perform routine equipment inspections, calibrations, and basic troubleshooting
• Support equipment upgrades and implementation of new lab practices
• Maintain accurate and well-organized data and documentation

Team and Operations Support

• Assist with planning and executing daily lab schedules
• Coordinate training for student interns and assist them with laboratory tasks
• Maintain inventory of chemicals, consumables, and lab supplies
• Ensure full adherence to safety procedures and workplace best practices

Technical skills

Required

• Basic knowledge in upstream and downstream industrial fermentation processes
• Basic understanding of yeast microbiology
• Proficiency in standard aseptic techniques
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working with equipment
• Strong motivation for hands-on laboratory and pilot scale work
• Rigorous and efficient time management skills

Personal abilities

Required

• 1-2 years of relevant work experience in fermentation science, biotechnology, bioprocess development, or related field
• A commitment to teamwork and collegiality
• Enjoyment of troubleshooting and problem solving

An asset

• Ability to interpret batch records, quality documents, and safety information
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects or tasks in parallel
• Bilingual (English & French)

General criteria

Required

• Able to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or legal resident, or in possession of appropriate work permit)

Organization

Lallemand is a privately held Canadian company founded in the late 19th century, which develops, produces, and markets microorganisms for various markets. The administrative offices of the parent company are in Montreal, Canada. Today, Lallemand employs more than 6,500 people working in more than 45 countries on 5 continents.

Lallemand's corporate division encompasses all of the support services offered to our branches. Its goal is to optimize internal processes, ensure that your operation is running smoothly, and that your strategy is well thought-out.

Our corporate branch's head office is located in Montreal, Canada, and relies on a team that specializes in: Management; Finance and accounting; Engineering; Research and Development (R&D); Human Resources (HR); and Information Technology (IT). If you want to help bring enthusiasm, collaboration and innovation to our workplace, we'd love to get to know you!

Please take note that accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.