Microbial Fermentation & DSP Bioprocess Expert

FMC IP Technology GmbH; Neuhausen am Rheinfall; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

FMC Agricultural Solutions seeks a Bioprocess Expert to lead fermentation and downstream processing across our global innovation center in Schaffhausen. You will drive process development, scale-up, technology transfer and continuous improvement, acting as the global SME for industrial bioprocessing and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires a degree in biochemical/chemical engineering or biotechnology, 10–15 years in fermentation/DSP, strong process control knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience in fermentation and downstream processing (DSP).
• Experience with scale-up, tech transfer and CAPEX support advantageous.
• Strong leadership, collaboration across sites and functions, and data-driven problem solving.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Act as global SME for industrial bioprocessing (fermentation and downstream operations).
• Lead optimization of commercial-scale processes for yield, productivity, robustness, and cost.
• Analyse data, identify trends, and drive root-cause investigations of deviations.
• Lead scale-up/scale-down and technology transfer from lab to manufacturing.
• Contribute to CAPEX projects and develop best practices across sites.

Skills

Process optimization

Scale-up

Technology transfer

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Biochemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Biotechnology

Job description

Join FMC’s New Global Innovation Centre in Schaffhausen as a Microbial Fermentation & DSP Bioprocess ExpertFMC Agricultural Solutions provides innovative crop protection solutions to growers worldwide. With 6,500 employees, we are one of the six largest crop protection manufacturers globally. Opening in early 2027, FMC’s new Schaffhausen, Switzerland site will bring together Technical Center and R&D teams to create a global hub for technology, innovation, and collaboration.As part of this expansion, Microbial Fermentation and Downstream Processing (DSP) will be a new and growing capability within FMC. This is a unique opportunity to bring your expertise to the organization and build, shape, and grow fermentation and DSP capabilities from the ground up. Working at the interface between R&D and commercial manufacturing, you will support process development and scale-up, technology transfer, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement across global projects, while establishing technical know-how and best practices that will shape FMC’s future capabilities.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the global subject matter expert for industrial bioprocessing, covering fermentation and downstream operations; provide technical leadership and hands-on support to Tech Centres, manufacturing sites, and cross-functional teams.Optimize commercial-scale processes for yield, productivity, robustness, cycle time, stability, and cost; develop and refine process control strategies and troubleshoot performance issues.Analyse process data, identify trends and improvement opportunities, and lead root-cause investigations and systematic troubleshooting of process deviations.Lead/support scale-up, scale-down, and technology transfer activities from laboratory/pilot to commercial manufacturing.Drive innovation and continuous improvement across biologicals and pheromone production platforms, including process control strategy, and data-driven process optimization.Provide technical input to fermentation-related CAPEX projects, including equipment selection, process configuration, control strategies, and techno-economic assessments.Develop and maintain technical standards, best practices, and documentation; ensure knowledge retention and harmonization across manufacturing sites.Provide on-site support for critical campaigns and complex troubleshooting; mentor and train colleagues to strengthen organizational fermentation expertise.Key RequirementsDegree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.10–15 years of relevant experience in fermentation and DSP, with strong process fundamentals and hands-on experience in commercial-scale environmentsStrong knowledge of process control and optimization strategies applied to bioprocesses.Experience with scale-up, scale-down, and technology transfer activities, including experience supporting CAPEX projects, equipment/process design, and techno-economic evaluations.Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, solve complex manufacturing problems, collaborate across functions/sites, and develop technical capabilities.Demonstrated scientific leadership and technical authority, including the ability to influence complex decisions and drive step-change improvements.Strong communication, mentoring and knowledge-transfer skills, with the ability to develop capability across technical teams.Fluent in spoken and written English.Are You Ready to Make an Impact?If you're passionate about making a difference and share our values of diversity, collaboration, and quality, we encourage you to submit your application today. We eagerly await hearing from you!