Associate Fermentation Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

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.

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

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 elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Vacaville,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.