Fermentation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Contribute with development of experimental plans
• Set up, operate, and monitor lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors (e.g., 1–4000 L scale)
• Prepare media, inoculum, and sterile systems using aseptic techniques
• Execute fermentation runs following SOPs and experimental plans
• Troubleshoot basic process deviations (e.g., contamination, pH drift, DO issues)
• Assist in developing fermentation strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous)
• Perform optimization studies (media composition, feeding strategies, temperature, pH)
• Support scale-up activities from bench to pilot scale
• Collect and analyze process data to improve performance metrics (yield, titer, productivity)
• Use data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Python, or similar) to interpret results
• Prepare summaries, reports, and presentations of experimental findings
• Maintain and calibrate fermentation and analytical equipment
• Avoid contamination and ensure proper cleaning, sterilization (CIP/SIP), and maintenance of bioreactors
• Assist with installation and qualification of new equipment
• Follow safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP where applicable)
• Maintain SOPs and batch records
• Support audits and documentation requirements
• Work with molecular biology, downstream processing, and analytics teams
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing teams
• Communicate results effectively to internal stakeholders

Qualifications

• PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field OR MS with 8+ years or BS with 13+ years relevant experience
• Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development
• Expertise in microbial physiology
• Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges
• Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC) is preferred
• Experience in scale-up of fermentation processes from lab-scale to pilot plant and/or production-scale is preferred