Scientist

Scientist, Fermentation

Location: San Diego, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular

Salary Range: $110,000–$128,000 annually

BioPhase is seeking a Scientist, Fermentation for an innovative biotechnology company developing gene-editing technologies for sustainable agricultural and industrial applications.

This hands-on role will lead the design, execution, and optimization of microbial fermentation experiments, supporting process development from laboratory research through technology transfer and manufacturing scale-up. The ideal candidate brings strong bioreactor experience, expertise in experimental design and data analysis, and the ability to troubleshoot and improve fermentation performance. The candidate will also work independently.

You will collaborate closely with Strain Development, Downstream Processing, and Analytical teams to improve product titer, yield, reproducibility, and process efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute fermentation experiments, including seed-train development, media optimization, and process optimization to meet product titer and specification goals.
• Develop and implement procedures that improve fermentation reproducibility and experimental throughput.
• Troubleshoot fermentation runs, conduct technical investigations, and recommend practical solutions to process-development challenges.
• Analyze bioprocess data to identify factors affecting fermentation performance.
• Recommend design-of-experiments (DOE) studies to improve titer, yield, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Build and maintain fermentation databases incorporating online and offline process data.
• Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, and communicate findings through presentations and progress reports.
• Partner with Strain Development, Downstream Processing, and Analytical teams to refine processes and achieve project goals.
• Support downstream process development and improvement as needed.
• Participate in technology transfer and scale-up of fermentation processes to manufacturing scale.
• Manage and maintain microbial cultures, master stocks, and working stocks.
• Maintain fermentation laboratory equipment, instruments, utilities, and supplies.
• Support junior associates and contribute technical expertise across teams.
• Follow and promote laboratory safety protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Fermentation, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• For bachelor’s-level candidates, at least five years of fermentation research experience; for master’s-level candidates, at least three years of fermentation research experience.
• Applied knowledge of fermentation technology, fermenter operations, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Broad, hands-on experience with precision fermentation and laboratory bioreactors, such as the BioFlo 320.
• Strong command of aseptic techniques for microbial fermentation.
• Proficiency in classical microbiology techniques, including strain isolation, propagation, enumeration, purification, and microscopic observation.
• Experience analyzing bioprocess data to troubleshoot, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes.
• Ability to independently manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines with minimal guidance.
• Strong scientific judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including presenting data and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, cross-functional team.
• Willingness to balance hands-on laboratory work with data analysis and documentation.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Additional Relevant Experience

• Fermentation media development and seed-train optimization.
• DOE-driven process development.
• Fermentation technology transfer and manufacturing scale-up.
• Downstream process development or optimization.
• Microbial genetics and physiology.
• Mentoring or supervising junior laboratory associates.