The Role & Your ImpactAs a Scientist I - Microbial Pilot Plant, you will lead and execute fermentation experiments that support strain, process, and product development. You will translate experimental insights into actionable recommendations that drive business, R&D, and manufacturing outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Planning, designing, and executing microbial fermentation experiments at lab and pilot scale
- Leading fermentation projects from experimental design through execution, analysis, and reporting
- Developing and optimizing fermentation processes, including media, feeding strategies, and process parameters
- Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining pilot-scale fermentation systems and monitoring tools
- Applying experimental design methodologies (e.g., DoE) to improve process understanding
- Analyzing data and delivering clear technical reports and presentations
- Communicating project progress, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders
- Supporting technology transfer activities, including process documentation and training
- Collaborating with R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and business teams
- Ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards
- Contributing to continuous improvement of pilot plant operations and best practices
What You'll Need to Be Successful- PhD in Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Fermentation Science, or related field
OR - Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience
OR - Bachelor's degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience
- Hands-on experience in microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, or pilot plant operations
- Strong understanding of microbial physiology and fermentation processes
- Experience designing and executing experiments independently
- Ability to analyze complex datasets and derive sound scientific conclusions
- Proven ability to lead technical projects and manage multiple priorities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate across functions and communicate with diverse stakeholders
- Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence
Core competencies:- Scientific rigor and curiosity
- Technical leadership
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
- Data-driven decision making
- Collaboration and adaptability
Additional Skills & Interests We Value- Experience with bacterial fermentation systems
- Experience with bench-scale and pilot-scale bioreactors
- Familiarity with scale-up principles, oxygen transfer, feeding strategies, and productivity optimization
- Experience with statistical tools and data analysis platforms (e.g., DoE, JMP, R, Python)
- Experience supporting technology transfer to manufacturing
- Familiarity with GMP, GLP, ISO, or other regulated environments
What We Offer- Opportunities to work on cutting-edge biotechnology and fermentation innovation
- A collaborative and inclusive environment where science and impact go hand in hand
- Professional development and career growth within a global organization
- Cross-functional exposure across R&D, manufacturing, and business teams
- A culture that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Ways of Working / Working Conditions- Work is conducted in laboratory and pilot plant environments
- Hands-on operation of fermentation systems and handling of biological materials is required
- May require flexible scheduling to support fermentation runs, sampling, and troubleshooting
- Collaboration across teams and functions is a key part of the role
Compensation & BenefitsPay Range: $75,000-$105,000 (Compensation will be aligned with experience, qualifications, and market benchmarks.)
Benefits you will enjoy:
- 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
- Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
- Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
- Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution
- Employee assistance program
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- All benefits begin on your first day
Relevant InformationApplication deadline: August 28, 2026
