Senior Research Associate, Fermentation Development

Fermentation Operations

Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot bench-scale aerobic microbial fermentation systems with minimal supervision
Execute batch and fed-batch fermentation experiments to support process development objectives
Prepare media, inoculum, feeds, and process solutions for fermentation campaigns
Perform reactor setup, sterilization, calibration, and post-run cleaning/maintenance

Sampling & Analytical Support

Collect and process fermentation samples throughout cultivation runs
Perform routine analytical assays including OD measurements, metabolite analysis, and sample preparation for HPLC or related analytical platforms
Track fermentation performance metrics including biomass, substrate consumption, and product formation

Strain Evaluation & Process Development

Support screening and characterization of microbial strains in shake flask and bench scale bioreactors
Assist in process optimization studies, including media development and fermentation parameter evaluation
Maintain accurate and well-organized experimental records and documentation

Laboratory Operations

Generate and maintain microbial cell banks and inventory records
Coordinate ordering and tracking of fermentation consumables and raw materials
Support routine laboratory maintenance, equipment upkeep, and troubleshooting
Contribute to safe laboratory operations and maintain a strong culture of safety and operational rigor

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with strain engineering, downstream, and analytical teams to support integrated process development activities
Assist with scaling workflows and implementing improved operational practices as the platform grows

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (with 5-7 years of relevant research experience) or Master’s degree (with 3-5 years of relevant research experience) in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in microbial fermentation, microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments
• Experience in operating and maintaining bench-scale bioreactors
• Strong understanding of aseptic technique and microbial culture handling
• Experience with aerobic microbial fermentation workflows
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to independently execute experiments and troubleshoot routine process issues

Preferred Experience

• Experience with fed-batch fermentation processes
• Familiarity with HPLC-based analysis of sugars, organic acids, or fermentation metabolites
• Experience with recombinant protein expression systems
• Experience supporting process optimization or scale-up activities
• Familiarity with fermentation data analysis and process monitoring tools

Location

Cambridge, MA

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering is a platform innovation company that invents and builds companies that change the world. We bring together the greatest scientific minds with entrepreneurial company builders and assemble the capital to allow them to take courageous leaps. Those big leaps in human health, sustainability and beyond exponentially accelerate scientific progress in areas ranging from disease detection and treatment and nature-positive agriculture to novel applications of AI that are driving the creation of new technologies.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (with 5-7 years of relevant research experience) or Master’s degree (with 3-5 years of relevant research experience) in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in microbial fermentation, microbiology, bioprocess development, or related laboratory environments
• Experience in operating and maintaining bench-scale bioreactors
• Strong understanding of aseptic technique and microbial culture handling
• Experience with aerobic microbial fermentation workflows
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to independently execute experiments and troubleshoot routine process issues

Preferred Experience

• Experience with fed-batch fermentation processes
• Familiarity with HPLC-based analysis of sugars, organic acids, or fermentation metabolites
• Experience with recombinant protein expression systems
• Experience supporting process optimization or scale-up activities
• Familiarity with fermentation data analysis and process monitoring tools

Salary Range

$81,000 - $107,300