Fermentation & Microbiology Manager

Novus International; Chesterfield (MO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Novus International is seeking a skilled fermentation scientist to lead lab-scale fermentation activities (5L–20L), optimize conditions for higher yield, and develop analytical assays for fermentation products. The role supports product development and requires strong microbiology expertise and precise documentation.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) with 5+ years in fermentation, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of industry experience in fermentation and microbiology.
• Hands-on experience operating lab-scale fermentation systems (5L–20L).
• Experience optimizing fermentation conditions and improving yield or productivity.
• Experience developing and executing analytical assays for fermentation products.
• Strong working knowledge of microbiological laboratory techniques and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute lab-scale fermentation activities using 5L and 20L fermentation systems.
• Optimize fermentation conditions to improve yield, expression, productivity, and cost of goods.
• Design and conduct experiments focused on fermentation process improvement.
• Produce prototype fermentation batches to support product development and evaluation.
• Develop, validate, and execute analytical assays for fermentation products.
• Perform microbiological techniques including microbial culture, strain handling, isolation, and identification.
• Conduct routine laboratory techniques such as electrophoresis and other standard analytical methods.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and analyze results to communicate findings internally.
• Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, calibration, and adherence to safety procedures.

Skills

Strong experimental design

Independent lab work

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Fluent in English

Education

Master's degree in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

PhD preferred

Tools

Fermentation equipment (5L–20L)

Electrophoresis

Job description

At Novus, our goal as a company is to inspire every animal producer and owner on the planet. As relentless advocates for intelligent nutrition, we deliver advanced technology, rooted in scientific research, designed to help their animals reach their full potential.

Driven by our passion for science and our intrinsic innovation, we will transform the animal nutrition industry through the power of intelligent nutrition. Working alongside animal producers and owners around the globe, we will help create a world where we feed solutions instead of treating problems.
Novus' employees help bring this Vision and Mission to life. Our employees support our customers in over 85 countries worldwide. We are always looking for dynamic people who share our mission to inspire animal producers and help animals reach their full potential.

General Responsibilities

• . Lead and execute lab-scale fermentation activities using 5L and 20L fermentation systems.
• . Optimize fermentation conditions to improve yield, expression, productivity, and cost of goods.
• . Design and conduct experiments focused on fermentation process improvement.
• . Produce prototype fermentation batches to support product development and evaluation.
• . Develop, validate, and execute analytical assays for fermentation products. Perform microbiological techniques including microbial culture, strain handling, isolation, and identification.
• . Conduct routine laboratory techniques such as electrophoresis and other standard analytical methods.
• . Maintain accurate experimental documentation and analyze results to communicate findings internally.
• . Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, calibration, and adherence to safety procedures.

Experience Requirements

• . Master’s degree in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field;
• . PhD preferred.5+ years of industry experience in fermentation and microbiology.
• . Hands-on experience operating lab-scale fermentation systems (5L–20L).
• . Experience optimizing fermentation conditions and improving yield or productivity.
• . Experience developing and executing analytical assays for fermentation products.
• . Strong working knowledge of microbiological laboratory techniques and best practices.

Skills and Other Essential Requirements

• . Strong experimental design and problem-solving capability.
• . Ability to independently execute laboratory work and interpret results.
• . Analytical thinking and process optimization skills.
• . Effective written and verbal communication.
• . Attention to detail and scientific rigor in experimental documentation.
• . Collaboration with cross-functional scientific teams.
• . Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• . Ability to work in laboratory environments and handle fermentation and microbiology equipment.
• . Limited travel may be required for collaboration with internal teams or external partners.

Work environment and Physical Requirements

• . Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, twist, reach with arms or hands, write & type.
• . Ability to see, speak, hear, and smell. Must have depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision.
• . Must be able to use personal protective equipment as required by OSHA standards.
• . Able to work around chemicals safely.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.