Researcher Bioprocess

RespectFarms; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

RespectFarms is seeking a Researcher Bioprocess to develop and optimize mammalian cell culture processes for cultivated meat, translating lab-scale innovations into modular, automated farm-scale production systems. This role focuses on selecting and optimizing materials (tubing, sensors, filters) to improve process performance and sustainability.

As part of the team, you will scale from bench to pilot farming infrastructure, evaluate energy use, and drive cost-efficient biomanufacturing with a

Qualifications

• BSc with 4-8 years or MSc with 2-5 years in Bioprocess or related field.
• Strong experience with bioreactor systems and mammalian cell culture.
• Innovative mindset with hands-on engineering and bioprocess design.
• Strong focus on sustainability and cost efficiency.
• Ability to collaborate with external companies and partners to achieve goals.
• Interest in automation and modular production systems.
• Food-tech or cultivated meat experience is advantageous.
• Experience with TEA or LCA analyses is nice to have.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize up- and downstream mammalian cell culture processes.
• Scale from laboratory experiments to modular manufacturing platforms.
• Evaluate and optimize process materials to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Drive innovations at the interface of process development and engineering.
• Contribute to cost-effective and sustainable biomanufacturing.

Skills

Bioprocess Eng

Mammalian culture

Bioreactor Systems

Automation interest

Sustainability

Collaboration

Food-tech exp

Education

BSc

MSc

Tools

TEA analysis

LCA analysis

Job description

Location : Leiden (office) and Schipluiden (farm) and working from home - Netherlands

Type : Full-time

ABOUT RESPECTFARMS

RespectFarms is a start-up in the cellular agriculture industry, located in the Netherlands. With a long history in cultivated meat , our vision is to sustainably transform our food system by integrating the best out of the conventional and the cellular agriculture industry. We, therefore, see ourselves as system integrator. We will optimize, productize and commercialize the first cultivated meat farm by 2030, with 1000 more farms to come by 2038.

Our technical approach focuses decentralized (scale-out) production, modular bioprocess systems, automation-first design, and practical deployment in real agricultural environments.

We are looking for a Researcher Bioprocess to develop and optimize mammalian cell culture processes for cultivated meat, translating laboratory-scale innovations into robust, modular, and automated farm-scale production systems. A key focus of the role is optimizing the selection and use of process materials—including single-use components, sensors, tubing, filters, and other consumables—to improve process performance, scalability, and sustainability. Another part of the role involves assessing the energy consumption of a modular cultivated meat production unit to support the development of more sustainable production processes.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated and talented Researcher Bioprocess to join our team. As a Researcher Bioprocess, you will develop and optimize up- and downstream mammalian cell culture processes, scaling from laboratory experiments to modular manufacturing platforms. A key aspect of the role is evaluating and optimizing process materials—including tubing, sensors, filters, and other consumables—to improve process efficiency, reliability, scalability, and environmental sustainability. Working at the interface of process development and engineering, you will drive innovations that enable cost-effective and sustainable biomanufacturing.

YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for a Researcher Bioprocess to run, optimize, and make the first pilotfarm cost-effective and sustainable. Part of your role is making this plan a reality, building a cultivated meat farm and scaling out our technology to the world! Qualifications needed for this role:

• BSc with 4-8 years or MSc with 2-5 years of experience in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Cell Biology, or related field
• Strong experience with bioreactor systems, bioprocess optimization and mammalian cell culture is essential
• An innovative mindset and hands‑on engineering and bioprocess design is essential
• Have a strong focus on sustainability
• Ability to collaborate effectively with external companies and partners to achieve project goals
• Strong interest in automation and modular production systems
• Food‑tech or cultivated meat experience is good to have
• Experience with TEA or LCA analysis is nice to have

WHY JOIN

• Work on the first cultivated meat farm
• Build technology with real-world deployment
• Collaborate with biotech, agritech, and farming partners
• Help shape a new production model for sustainable protein
• Contribute to decentralized food production systems