Senior Fermentation Scientist – Industrial Microbiology

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist specializing in fermentation technology for our Queenstown-based facility. The role is hands-on, on-site and focused on developing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes for food ingredients and beverages.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD and at least five years in industry, with strong skills in microbial physiology, bioreactor operation, and analytical methods such as HPLC, GC-MS and flow cytometry. Relocation support may be provided.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in fermentation process development and optimization.
• Proven track record in applied microbiology, especially with yeasts or bacteria.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactors and fermentation monitoring/control systems.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up microbial fermentation processes for food ingredients and beverages.
• Lead research projects on strain improvement, media optimization, and process parameter control.
• Apply analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, flow cytometry) to monitor performance and product quality.
• Troubleshoot fermentation issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with engineers for technology transfer and scale-up.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and laboratory quality standards.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioreactors

Process monitoring

Analytical thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology / Biotechnology / Biochemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

Flow cytometry

Downstream processing

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist specializing in fermentation technology for our Queenstown-based facility. The role is hands-on, on-site and focused on developing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes for food ingredients and beverages.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD and at least five years in industry, with strong skills in microbial physiology, bioreactor operation, and analytical methods such as HPLC, GC-MS and flow cytometry. Relocation support may be provided.