Fermentation Engineer

Fermentation Engineer - Augusta, Georgia, United States (Full‑Time)

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to Bio Alternatives—better performing, more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform bridges the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing, delivering the benefits of synthetic biology efficiently and reliably. We are seeking a self‑motivated, highly organized individual to specialize in and lead laboratory operations.

• Contribute to 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 (contamination, pH drift, DO issues).

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• Follow safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP where applicable).
• Maintain SOPs and batch records.
• Support audits and documentation requirements.

• Work with molecular biology, downstream processing, and analytics teams.
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing teams.
• Communicate results effectively to internal stakeholders.

• PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering, or related field; OR MS with 8+ years of relevant experience; OR BS with 13+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in bench and pilot‑scale fermentation process development.
• Expertise in microbial physiology.
• Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges.

• Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC).
• Experience in scale‑up of fermentation processes from lab‑scale to pilot plant and/or production‑scale.