Fermentation Engineer II

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, continuous) for microbial or cell culture systems.
• Develop strategies to improve yield, productivity, titer, and process robustness.
• Conduct media optimization, feeding strategies, and metabolic performance analysis.
• Apply statistical tools (DOE, multivariate analysis) to accelerate process improvement.
• Lead fermentation scale-up activities from laboratory (bench-scale) to pilot and commercial manufacturing (e.g., 1L ? 4,000L ?40,000L).
• Identify and mitigate scale-dependent risks (mixing, oxygen transfer, heat removal, shear sensitivity).
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites or CMOs.
• Develop scale-down models to troubleshoot commercial process deviations.
• Define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Support process characterization studies and regulatory submissions (as applicable).
• Develop control strategies for consistent production performance.
• Analyze process data using advanced analytics, modeling, and visualization tools.
• Implement digital tools (PAT, soft sensors, automation strategies) to improve process control.
• Lead cross-functional project teams involving strain engineering, downstream processing, and manufacturing.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists.
• Collaborate with external partners, equipment vendors, and academic collaborators.
• Ensure compliance with EHS, GMP (if applicable), and regulatory guidelines.
• Design processes with safety, sustainability, and regulatory considerations in mind.

Requirements

PhD with 5+ years in Industrial Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field.

Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development.

Expertise in microbial physiology.

Experience statistical tools for media design.

Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in scale-up of fermentation processes from lab-scale to pilot plant and/or production-scale.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC).
• Experience with fermentation modeling.