Yeast Plant Specialist, Brewery Fermentation & Lab QA
Overview
You will manage yeast health, propagation, and performance to ensure consistent beer quality and fermentation efficiency across Prost Brewing’s production. Work with PCR, microscopy, and selective media to keep cultures pure and fermentations on profile. You will collaborate with brewing and cellar teams, train staff, and own the quality loop from lab to tank. This role stands out by combining daily lab analytics with hands-on cellar and brewhouse operations.
What You'll Do10
- 1Maintain the brewery culture library and ensure strain purity using PCR and selective media.
- 2Propagate yeast from lab slants to production pitch volumes, setting precise pitching rates from cell counts and viability.
- 3Run daily cell counts, viability, and vitality tests; execute microbiological assays to catch wild yeast or bacterial contamination.
- 4Track gravity, temperature, and pH for active fermentations; troubleshoot sluggish or stuck fermentations using data.
- 5Standardize CIP loops and sanitize yeast propagation plants, brinks, and transfer lines to prevent contamination.
- 6Optimize fermentation profiles to control esters, phenols, and diacetyl; adjust wort nutrients and dissolved oxygen with brewing teams.
- 7Compile and interpret quality metrics against KPIs, then deliver feedback to resolve process issues.
- 8Support wort production, cellar operations, and packaging as part of cross-training; step into any role as needed.
- 9Train and develop team members on quality assurance and safety protocols, holding them accountable for performance.
- 10Contribute to new product development and process improvement by analyzing trends and collaborating with management.
Requirements9
- 15+ years in a commercial brewery or lab, with hands-on yeast management and fermentation troubleshooting.
- 2Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, or related field preferred.
- 3Proficiency with PCR, microscopy, and selective media (e.g., HLP, LCSM) for QA/QC.
- 4Strong understanding of German-style lagers and ales, including beer science and regulatory compliance.
- 5Experience with Microsoft Office for data compilation and presentation.
- 6Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work on ladders, and handle hazardous lab and brewing chemicals safely.
- 7Proven record managing multiple projects simultaneously with excellent communication and initiative.
- 8Knowledge of manufacturing supply chains and the ability to present data to varied audiences.
- 9Flexibility for shift work in brewhouse, cellar, or packaging as required.
Salary Insight
$48 - $56k per year
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