Associate Fermentation Scientist

Associate Fermentation Scientist

* Part time 20 hours/week, M-F (you choose hours)

Job Description

The Associate Fermentation Scientist joins a growing bioprocessing team and plays a key role in designing, executing, and interpreting fermentation experiments across diverse microbial expression systems.

This role offers real technical ownership, including independent management of fermentation campaigns, contribution to process development strategies, and direct communication of results to both internal stakeholders and external clients. The position is ideal for a scientist who enjoys building systems and processes, and who is motivated by advancing client pipelines while deepening their own scientific expertise.

Responsibilities

+ Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot bench-scale microbial fermentations (up to approximately 50L) across bacterial, yeast, and/or filamentous fungal expression systems.

+ Own the full fermentation campaign lifecycle, including strain preparation, media formulation, run execution, in-process analytics, data analysis, and preparation of clear reports.

+ Develop and optimize fermentation parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, feeding strategy, and induction using sound scientific rationale rather than purely empirical trial-and-error.

+ Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology to structure and execute multi-variable optimization studies.

+ Interface directly with clients to communicate experimental progress, interpret results, and propose scientifically grounded next steps.

+ Contribute to the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), participate in equipment qualification, and support the maintenance of quality documentation.

+ Support downstream unit operations, including centrifugation, filtration, and chromatography, as needed to generate complete data packages for clients.

+ Assist in mentoring junior associates and interns by teaching fermentation fundamentals, best practices, and laboratory techniques.

+ Collaborate with a small, mission-driven team to help build and improve bioprocessing capabilities and workflows.

Essential Skills

+ MS in chemical engineering, bioengineering, microbiology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline with at least 2 years of hands-on fermentation experience, or BS with at least 5 years of directly relevant industry or research experience.

+ Demonstrated ability to independently operate and troubleshoot bench-scale bioreactors, including running fermentations without direct supervision.

+ Working knowledge of microbial physiology and fermentation kinetics sufficient to interpret fermentation run data and make informed in-process decisions.

+ Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using tools such as Excel, Python, or equivalent software.

+ Strong scientific communication skills, including the ability to write clear summary reports and present findings to non-expert client audiences.

+ Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize competing tasks, and proactively identify and flag risks.

+ Hands-on experience with fermentation processes and bioreactor operation in a laboratory or pilot-scale environment.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with multiple microbial expression systems, including bacterial, yeast, and filamentous fungal hosts.

+ Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches for process optimization.

+ Exposure to downstream processing techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, and chromatography.

+ Experience contributing to SOP development, equipment qualification, and quality documentation in a bioprocessing or biomanufacturing setting.

+ Interest in working within a small, mission-driven team where each hire has a significant impact on the growth and direction of the organization.

+ Motivation to build new processes and capabilities and to advance both client projects and personal scientific depth.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in Vacaville and operates within a pay-as-you-go contract biomanufacturing facility that provides bioprocessing services to biotechnology companies. The environment focuses on bridging the gap between shake flask feasibility and scalable bioreactor processes, using bench-scale bioreactors and related bioprocessing equipment. The team is small, collaborative, and mission-driven, and every team member helps shape the culture and operational practices.

The position is part-time, with a maximum of 20 hours per week. Work must be scheduled during normal business hours, with flexibility in selecting specific days and times that align with both operational needs and the candidate's availability.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Vacaville, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific…