Senior Fermentation Scientist/Manager

Join the Forefront of the Green Transition: Shape the Future of Biotech with 21st.BIO!

At 21st.BIO, we're not just another biotech company; we are the vanguards of a revolution. Fueled by the determination to shape a more sustainable world, we are developing a technology platform that will profoundly disrupt the global landscape and provide sustainable solutions for our planet. Our dream? To engineer the future of sustainable foods and materials through the art of fermentation.

Job Summary:

The Fermentation Scientist/Manager will lead the fermentation process development and scale-up efforts for our biotechnological products. This role requires a strong background in microbial fermentation or biochemical engineering, coupled with experience in managing partnerships with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). You will be part of a multidisciplinary team with many years of experience in R&D, who values creativity, collaboration, trust, and respect. The ideal candidate will possess both deep technical expertise and strategic vision to drive our fermentation initiatives and ensure successful product commercialization together with our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process Development:
• Set up and implement industrially relevant process development and optimization strategies to enhance yield, productivity, robustness, sustainability, and product quality, together with the 21st.BIO fermentation teams (R&D, pilot and bio manufacturability) in CA and DK.
• Write or review Tech transfer and reporting documents to our customers. Provide training and technical coaching to fermentation scientists, engineers, technicians and operation staff, as needed.
• Serve as a technical process development lead, providing technical guidance, oversight, and troubleshooting expertise to drive the development of projects and resolve scale-up challenges in collaboration with our customers and the 21st.BIO team.
• Stay abreast of advancements in fermentation technology and incorporate innovative approaches into process development with a special emphasis on fermentation cost reduction at scale.
• CMO Management:
• Work in close collaboration with customers and accompany them on their scale-up journey.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish partnerships with CMOs for piloting and large-scale production.
• Oversee the transfer of fermentation processes to customers or CMOs
• Collaborate with customers or CMOs to troubleshoot fermentation issues across scales and implement improvements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate laboratory- and pilot-scale fermentation processes to CMOs and customers' fermentation facilities.
  
  
  

Requirements:

• A PhD or Master's degree in fermentation/microbial physiology, biochemical engineering, chemical engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 8-years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years experience in industrial fermentation
• Strong expertise in fermentation, microbial physiology, and process optimization/development: highly experienced in using online fermentation trends and offline data to troubleshoot fermentation and optimize processes.
• Strong expertise in scaling up and down fermentation processes, from lab to pilot and commercial scale, and in transferring fermentation processes to large scale. Any experience in scaling up filamentous fungi fermentation processes is highly desired.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation technologies, bioreactor design, and scale-up methodologies.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex technical concepts with a variety of audiences and customers.
• Positive can-do attitude and self-motivation.
• Attention to detail, strong critical thinking, and an affinity for troubleshooting.
• Ability to travel, domestic and internationally as needed.
• Ability to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship
• Desire to be part of a rapidly evolving organization, with compelling technology, and taking products and processes to the next level.
  
  
  

Why 21st.BIO?

21st.BIO is a vibrant consortium of thinkers, researchers, and visionaries bound by the shared dream of a greener tomorrow. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Davis (California), we work with our customers to accelerate the World’s quest for new sustainable food and materials. We build a competitive technology and manufacturing foundation to enable the commercialization of new, innovative products that are more sustainable than traditional offerings. We support our customers from strain development to scale-up, to bring their products successfully to the market.

Joining our ranks means

• Personal and professional growth in a hub of innovation and disruptive thinking.
• A nurturing ambiance, where your growth, well-being, and empowerment take center stage.
• The privilege of working alongside a team of experts in R&D and business dynamics.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
  
  
  

More info

You will join our site in Davis, California. If you want to hear more about the position and the company, please contact Abigail Jang at [email protected].

Annual salary: 90,000 – 170,000 USD.

The position is expected to be in-person at our vibrant R&D site in Davis, CA.

21st.BIO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.