Senior Fermentation Scientist

Nature's Fynd • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

As a Senior Fermentation Scientist, you will be the technical cornerstone of our bioprocess development team. This role is designed for a data-driven expert who thrives at the intersection of metabolic physiology and industrial scale-up. You will lead the design, optimization, and execution of fermentation processes with a specific focus on fungal systems and media formulation.

The ideal candidate is a "hands-on" leader who can translate complex biological data into robust, scalable processes and serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) during technology transfers to pilot and commercial scales.

Why Join Us?
You will have the opportunity to define the process architecture for a next-generation bio-product. We value technical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality.

Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or a related field (with 3-5+ years of industry experience preferred). OR Master’s Degree (MS) with 10+ years of direct industrial experience in fermentation.
• Fungal Expertise: Proven track record working with fungal strains (e.g., Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Pichia, or Yarrowia). Deep understanding of fungal morphology and its impact on broth rheology.
• Hands-on Mastery: Extensive experience operating stirred-tank bioreactors (STRs) at the 1L to 1000L scale.
• Statistical Proficiency: Advanced skills in DOE methodology and statistical data analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Continuous Fermentation at pilot and/or commercial scale
• Knowledge of Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to guide media cost optimization.

Responsibilities

• Process & Media Design
• Experimental Strategy & DOE
• Tech Transfer & Scale-Up (SME)
• Cross-Functional Leadership

Benefits

• Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
• 100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Generous Parental leave policy
• Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree