Fermentation Specialist

Liberation Labs • Richmond, IN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Liberation Bioindustries is developing a global network of fit-for-purpose precision fermentation manufacturing facilities, starting with our launch facility in Richmond, IN. We build the critical infrastructure needed to produce novel bioproducts at scale and enable the precision fermentation market. Together, with our customers and partners, we use our innovative thinking and passion for manufacturing to make everyday products more affordable and more accessible. We believe that precision fermentation can unlock solutions that have real and lasting impact on the future of sustainability.
Our first facility in Richmond, IN is currently under construction with anticipated start-up in late 2026 or early 2027.
Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will have the opportunity to work closely with our Technical Manager, manufacturing operations team, customers, equipment vendors, and process engineering team to start-up and operate an industry-leading precision fermentation facility. You will serve as an internal fermentation expert and be a key member of the facility’s upstream process and tech transfer effort.

Requirements

• The incumbent must be based in Richmond, Indiana prior to the facility start-up.
• Bachelor’s Degree in either Physical Science (such as Microbiology, Fermentation) or Engineering, is required.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with lab or pilot scale fermentation is required.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Previous work experience in food manufacturing or biomanufacturing is required.
• Strong understanding of aseptic techniques and microbial growth required; ability to train others in these techniques is required.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and analytical methods used in fermentation monitoring is required.
• Familiarity with quality systems and complaint-handling processes is required.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Self-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Energized at the idea of helping to create and build a positive work culture.

Nice To Haves

• PCQI or HACCP certification or equivalent is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.

Responsibilities

• Design, set-up, and execute lab-scale fermentation experiments to validate process parameters.
• Support the Technical Manager in the technical transfer of fermentation processes from customers to internal operations, including optimization of the plant seed train.
• Provide oversight and support to the inoculation lab area, including culture preparation for the plant seed train.
• Provide oversight, support, and guidance to the operations team on fermentation media recipes and inoculation procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, observations, and process adjustments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Maintain lab organization and cleanliness.
• Follow good laboratory practices to maintain good record keeping practices.
• Assist with the development and improvement of documentation, methods and apply best practices, standards and procedures for quality and operations.
• Support the internal Quality and Manufacturing teams as required.
• Investigate quality incidents to help reduce out of specification products.
• Champion employee and product safety and participate in key safety and food safety reviews.
• Build strong relationships and interface effectively with colleagues.
• Complete other duties as required.

Benefits

• Liberation Bioindustries is committed to providing exciting career and growth opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to reach their potential and is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Liberation Bioindustries.
• We provide competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, and more.
• Employees are compensated competitively, in alignment with relevant market comparisons, and participate in the company’s success through annual performance compensation incentives as well as the ESOP (employee share option program).
• We prioritize maintaining a positive work environment with a great culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level