THE ROLEWe are seeking a Senior Scientist I/II, bioprocess development and microbial production subject matter expert and in-lab technical lead for a high impact, novel biological platform. This role will focus primarily on fermentation process development, translating early-stage biological systems into scalable and manufacturable processes. The successful candidate will work collaboratively at the interface between microbial engineering and bioprocess optimization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Design, execute, and iterate on bioprocess experiments to support scalable fermentation process development including collaboration with Strain Development on strain improvements to support bioprocess productivity and robustness, media development, feeding design, mass transfer optimization, and process control
- Translate biological discoveries into robust production systems by improving yield, productivity, and process reproducibility
- Contribute to implementation and buildout of experimental frameworks for systematic process improvement, including DOE-based optimization and fermentation analytics
- Execute technology transfer to external CROs, CMOs, or manufacturing partners as subject matter expert as needed
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS - PhD in biochemical engineering, microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
- Scientist I: At least 5-7 years of professional experience, including 1+ years hands-on developing microbial fermentation processes in an industrial or translational setting
- Scientist II: At least 8-11 years of professional experience, including 3+ years hands-on developing microbial fermentation processes in an industrial or translational setting
- Demonstrated expertise in fermentation process development & scale-up, including optimizing parameters such as oxygen transfer, feeding regimes, media composition, etc.
- Experience optimizing high-cell-density microbial fermentations
- Hands-on experience developing and optimizing microbial fermentation across scales (e.g., 250 mL bench reactors through 50 L pilot-scale systems)
- Experience designing and executing fermentation experiments using systematic optimization approaches, such as DOE or structured process screening
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE- Experience working with external partners (CROs, CMOs, or manufacturing facilities) to develop or transfer fermentation processes, including preparation of process documentation and technical oversight
- Experience developing fed-batch fermentation processes across a range of industrial microbial hosts, including bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi
- Experience improving production performance through close collaboration or co-ownership of targeted strain engineering activities
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
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The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Protocos currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Protocos's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
