Synthetic Biologist / Metabolic Engineering
Job Description
Our client is a is a leader in the development of sustainable and innovative biotechnological solutions. One of our competencies is as a manufacturer of flavors and ingredients for food and beverage manufacturers. We are looking to hire an experienced Fermentation Scientist who will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes for the production of high-value bio-products. This position involves working collaboratively with the R&D team to design experiments, analyze data, and translate laboratory findings into commercial applications. The successful candidate will have a strong background in microbiology, fermentation, and bioprocess engineering, with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. This position requires a Masters’s Degree or a PhD in one of the natural sciences. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. (Key Words: yeast, bacteria, cloning, genetically modified natural products, probiotics, gene manipulation)
Key Responsibilities:
Fermentation Process Development
• Design, execute, and optimize fermentation experiments to achieve target yields, productivity, and product quality.
• Conduct aerobic fermentations, focused primarily on probiotic growth optimization and scale up processes.
• Design, prepare and conduct lab based trials in 10 liter fermenters.
• Develop and refine protocols for microbial growth, metabolite production, and downstream processing.
• Scale laboratory fermentation processes to pilot and production levels.
Research and Innovation
• Investigate and identify new microbial strains and fermentation technologies to enhance product development.
• Develop and perform all the SOPs for the propagation and cryovialing of all biological strains by the R&D department and the maintenance of cultures.
• Stay current with advancements in fermentation science and propose innovative approaches to improve processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align fermentation projects with company goals.
Data Analysis and Reporting
• Monitor and analyze fermentation performance using analytical tools and techniques.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments and results.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Operate and maintain fermentation equipment, including bioreactors, pumps, and sensors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or process-related issues.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and in compliance with quality and safety standards.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
• Follow all company and industry safety protocols for laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines related to fermentation processes.
• Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety documents.
Education and/or Experience:
• Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in fermentation process development, bioprocessing, cloning, strain engineering, gene manipulation, genetically modified natural products for food production (industry experience is a plus).
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic pathways, and bioprocessing principles.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological techniques, cell culture and enumeration.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactors and fermentation equipment.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment including but not limited to shakers, fermenters, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, spectrophotometer, autoclaves, freeze dryer, pH meters, HPLC, GC.
• Familiarity with process scale-up and technology transfer is preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for reporting and team collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
We offer a competitive base salary, annual bonus, generous PTO, Medical and Dental Insurance, 401K, and relocation assistance for the successful candidate. You must currently live and work inside the USA in order to be qualified for this job. US Citizens or US Permanent Residents preferred. Sponsorship is NOT being offered for this role. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
Key Responsibilities:
Fermentation Process Development
• Design, execute, and optimize fermentation experiments to achieve target yields, productivity, and product quality.
• Conduct aerobic fermentations, focused primarily on probiotic growth optimization and scale up processes.
• Design, prepare and conduct lab based trials in 10 liter fermenters.
• Develop and refine protocols for microbial growth, metabolite production, and downstream processing.
• Scale laboratory fermentation processes to pilot and production levels.
Research and Innovation
• Investigate and identify new microbial strains and fermentation technologies to enhance product development.
• Develop and perform all the SOPs for the propagation and cryovialing of all biological strains by the R&D department and the maintenance of cultures.
• Stay current with advancements in fermentation science and propose innovative approaches to improve processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align fermentation projects with company goals.
Data Analysis and Reporting
• Monitor and analyze fermentation performance using analytical tools and techniques.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments and results.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Operate and maintain fermentation equipment, including bioreactors, pumps, and sensors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or process-related issues.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and in compliance with quality and safety standards.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
• Follow all company and industry safety protocols for laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines related to fermentation processes.
• Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety documents.
Education and/or Experience:
• Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in fermentation process development, bioprocessing, cloning, strain engineering, gene manipulation, genetically modified natural products for food production (industry experience is a plus).
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic pathways, and bioprocessing principles.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological techniques, cell culture and enumeration.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactors and fermentation equipment.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment including but not limited to shakers, fermenters, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, spectrophotometer, autoclaves, freeze dryer, pH meters, HPLC, GC.
• Familiarity with process scale-up and technology transfer is preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for reporting and team collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
We offer a competitive base salary, annual bonus, generous PTO, Medical and Dental Insurance, 401K, and relocation assistance for the successful candidate. You must currently live and work inside the USA in order to be qualified for this job. US Citizens or US Permanent Residents preferred. Sponsorship is NOT being offered for this role. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.