Position Summary:The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing (DSP). This role will have a particular focus on Streptomyces and will help translate laboratory processes into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop and optimize submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation processes.
- Design and execute fermentation experiments from bench scale through scale-up.
- Develop robust cultivation processes for Streptomyces and other microbial strains.
- Optimize media, inoculum strategies, growth conditions, productivity, yield, and process consistency.
- Develop and improve downstream processing (DSP) approaches for microbial biomass and product recovery.
- Troubleshoot fermentation and DSP performance and identify key drivers of process variability.
- Support process scale-up and technology transfer to internal manufacturing teams and external CDMOs.
- Develop process documentation, protocols, batch records, and technical reports.
- Analyze experimental and manufacturing data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
- Collaborate closely with microbiology, formulation, manufacturing, quality, and external partners.
Qualifications:- PhD with 1-5 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, fermentation science, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation.
- Experience cultivating Streptomyces or closely related filamentous microorganisms.
- Experience with downstream processing (DSP) and microbial biomass or product recovery.
- Experience with fermentation scale-up and technology transfer is a plus.
- Experience managing R&D vendors, CROs, CDMOs, or other external technical partners is a plus.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time domestically and internationally (Europe & Africa).
- Familiarity with GoogleSuite, Excel, Slack and similar tools is a plus
Location: Hybrid, Regular laboratory presence at Oath's Vacaville, California site (at least 3 days per week).
Job Type: Full-time, exempt position in the United States. At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000/year + equity
Benefits:- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Stock options
