Protein Production and Purification - Fermentation Scientist

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a highly motivated Protein Production and Purification - Fermentation Scientist to support an interdisciplinary project focused on developing protein-based methods for rare earth separation. You will support the development and optimization of scalable fermentation processes for microbial protein expression and in developing and optimizing cost-effective downstream protein purification methods. This position requires strong experimental skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.

This position requires full-time on-site presence.

• Operate and maintain laboratory-scale bioreactors for microbial protein expression.
• Support the development, optimization, and execution of fermentation processes at bench and pilot scale.
• Develop, optimize, and refine downstream protein purification methods (e.g., chromatography, filtration, protein immobilization).
• Analyze experimental data and apply data-driven approaches to improve yield, productivity, and reproducibility.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records; contribute to data analysis, summarize and communicate results to project teams.
• Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, media preparation, and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot workflows and support scale-up efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience independently conducting microbial fermentation experiments in bioreactors at the bench or pilot scale.
• Experience with protein purification and downstream process optimization.
• Proficiency in sterile techniques and basic microbiology procedures.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications we desire:

• Experience with large‑scale bioreactors (≥50L) and process scale‑up.
• Experience with optimizing protein expression in bioreactors.
• Experience with column chromatography systems.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, expression construct design).

$146,340 - $185,544 annually

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-values

None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this…