Fermentation Engineer

Manus Bio Inc.; Augusta (GA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Manus Bio Inc. is seeking a Fermentation Engineer to lead fermentation science and development for industrial biotechnology applications.

You will execute lab- and pilot-scale fermentations, analyze data, and collaborate across molecular biology, downstream processing, and analytics to improve yield and process robustness. The role requires hands-on work in a multidisciplinary team at the Augusta, GA facility, with a focus on scaling bioprocesses from bench to pilot scale and ensuring

Qualifications

• PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field OR MS with 8+ years or BS with 13+ years relevant experience.
• Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development.
• Expertise in microbial physiology.
• Critical thinker with enthusiasm for solving complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors (1–4000 L).
• Develop experimental plans and contribute to process development.
• Collect and analyze data to improve yield, titer, and productivity.
• Maintain accurate records and calibrate equipment; ensure CIP/SIP and cleaning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and support tech transfer.

Skills

Fermentation development

Microbial physiology

Data analysis

Lab operations

Education

PhD in Fermentation Sciences

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

GC

LC

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today. We are seeking a self-motivated and highly organized individual for a position that will specialize in and lead all laboratory operations at our Boston BioFacility.

We are seeking a Fermentation Engineer to be a part of our process development team. This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer supports the development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes for industrial biotechnology applications. This role involves executing lab- and pilot-scale fermentations, analyzing data, and collaborating cross-functionally to improve yield, productivity, and process robustness.

This hands‑on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus’s process development team located in Augusta, GA.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.

Responsibilities

Fermentation Operations

• Contribute with development of experimental plans
• Set up, operate, and monitor lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors (e.g., 1–4000 L scale)
• Prepare media, inoculum, and sterile systems using aseptic techniques
• Execute fermentation runs following SOPs and experimental plans
• Troubleshoot basic process deviations (e.g., contamination, pH drift, DO issues)

Process Development & Optimization

• Support scale-up activities from bench to pilot scale
• Collect and analyze process data to improve performance metrics (yield, titer, productivity)

Analytical & Data Analysis

• Perform routine sampling and analyze fermentation parameters (OD, cell density, metabolites)
• Maintain accurate experimental records (ELN or lab notebooks)
• Use data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Python, or similar) to interpret results
• Prepare summaries, reports, and presentations of experimental findings
• Maintain and calibrate fermentation and analytical equipment
• Ensure proper cleaning, sterilization (CIP/SIP), and maintenance of bioreactors
• Assist with installation and qualification of new equipment

Documentation & Compliance

• Follow safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP where applicable)
• Maintain SOPs and batch records
• Support audits and documentation requirements

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work with molecular biology, downstream processing, and analytics teams
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing teams
• Communicate results effectively to internal stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field OR
• MS with 8+ years or BS with 13+ years relevant experience
• Required Technical Expertise
• Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development
• Expertise in microbial physiology
• Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges

Preferred Experience

• Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC)
• Experience in scale-up of fermentation processes from lab-scale to pilot plant and/or production-scale