Fermentation Engineer Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time We are seeking a self-motivated and highly organized individual for a position that will specialize in and lead all laboratory operations at our Boston BioFacility.
We are seeking a Fermentation Engineer to be a part of our process development team. This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer supports the development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes for industrial biotechnology applications. This role involves executing lab- and pilot-scale fermentations, analyzing data, and collaborating cross-functionally to improve yield, productivity, and process robustness.
This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus's process development team located in Augusta, GA.
Responsibilities Fermentation Operations - 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)
Process Development & Optimization - 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)
Analytical & Data Analysis - Perform routine sampling and analyze fermentation parameters (OD, cell density, metabolites)
- Maintain accurate experimental records (ELN or lab notebooks)
- Use data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Python, or similar) to interpret results
- Prepare summaries, reports, and presentations of experimental findings
Equipment & Lab Maintenance - Maintain and calibrate fermentation and analytical equipment
- Ensure proper cleaning, sterilization (CIP/SIP), and maintenance of bioreactors
- Assist with installation and qualification of new equipment
Documentation & Compliance - Follow safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP where applicable)
- Maintain SOPs and batch records
- Support audits and documentation requirements
Cross-functional Collaboration - Work with molecular biology, downstream processing, and analytics teams
- Support technology transfer to manufacturing teams
- Communicate results effectively to internal stakeholders
Basic Qualifications - PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field OR
- MS with 8+ years or BS with 13+ years relevant experience
- Required Technical Expertise
- Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development
- Expertise in microbial physiology
- Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges
Preferred Experience - Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC)
- Experience in scale-up of fermentation processes from lab-scale to pilot plant and/or production-scale
