Protein Production and Purification - Fermentation Scientist

Protein Production and Purification
- Fermentation Scientist

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.

In this role you will:

• 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).

Pay Range $146,340 - $185,544 annually