Fermentation Engineer

Manus; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for advancement

Accountability and autonomy

Passion for cutting-edge biotech

Job summary

Manus is seeking a Fermentation Engineer in Augusta, GA to lead laboratory operations and drive fermentation development from bench to pilot scale. You will execute fermentation runs, optimize strategies, and collaborate across biology, analytics, and manufacturing teams to improve yield and robustness.

Candidates should hold a PhD or an MS/BS with substantial fermentation and process knowledge, with strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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)
• Assist in developing fermentation strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous)
• Perform optimization studies (media composition, feeding strategies, temperature, pH)
• Support scale-up activities from bench to pilot scale
• Collect and analyze process data to improve performance metrics (yield, titer, productivity)
• 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

Skills

Lab operations

Fermentation processes

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field

MS with 8+ years or BS with 13+ years relevant experience

Tools

GC

LC

Excel

Python

Job description

Fermentation Engineer Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time

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.

Fermentation Engineer Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time

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. This role 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

• Assist in developing fermentation strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous)
• Perform optimization studies (media composition, feeding strategies, temperature, pH)
• 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
  

Equipment & Lab Maintenance

• 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