Fermentation Scientist / Process Development Engineer

Berkner Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Berkner Group seeks a fermentation scientist for a venture-backed startup in Durham, NC. You will execute yeast fermentation and protein production processes, developing high-yield workflows with hands-on bench and pilot-scale work.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and cross-team collaboration to advance sustainable animal agriculture projects and potential tech transfer to CMOs. A relevant degree with 3+ years experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. or PhD in fermentation or related field with 3+ years hands-on fermentation experience.
• Experience with microbial fermentation in agricultural, food, or pharma contexts.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation principles, processes, and equipment.
• Comfort with controls/instrumentation for bioreactor maintenance and operation.

Responsibilities

• Develop processes for high-yield protein and enzyme production; hands-on work.
• Characterize fermentation performance from well plates to pilot-scale fermenters.
• Optimize media and processes to maximize protein titer and quality.
• Set up and maintain bench and pilot bioreactors and sensors/instrumentation.
• Maintain safety, regulatory compliance, and documentation for QC and regulatory purposes.
• Assist with technology transfer to CMOs.

Skills

Fermentation development

Microbial physiology

Lab-scale fermentation

Process optimization

Bioreactor instrumentation

Team collaboration

Independent work

Biotech/agrifood/pharma

Education

B.S./M.S. or PhD in fermentation/bioprocessing

Tools

Benchtop bioreactors

Analytical instruments

Job description

Location: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (Full-time; on-site)

About the Company

Our client is a venture-backed start-up that is leveraging biotechnology to avert the climate crisis. They're engineering enzymes and probiotics to eliminate methane emissions from cattle. This team believes that cattle are a key pillar of sustainable agriculture and human nutrition, and eliminating their methane emissions will enable transformative progress in the fight against climate change.

We're looking for a fermentation scientist who is passionate about animal, human, and planetary health. You must be motivated, comfortable with a fast-paced work environment, team-oriented, and committed to building exceptional products. Your role will be to execute processes for yeast fermentation and protein production. You will play a critical role in developing products for more sustainable animal agriculture and a healthier planet.

New and vibrant lab space

Based in vibrant downtown Durham, North Carolina, the company is working out of a brand-new lab space at the center of a fast-growing biotech and startup ecosystem. This role offers the chance to pursue ambitious science in a modern lab while enjoying great food, dynamic culture, and comfortable living in the heart of North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Work with fermentation team to develop processes for high yield protein and enzyme production, highly hands-on
• Characterize yeast and E. coli fermentation performance across well plates, shake flasks, benchtop fermenters, and pilot scale fermenters
• Optimize fermentation media and processes to maximize protein titer, including feed composition, feed profiles, mixing and gas management, and pH control
• Own setup, maintenance, and operation of bench and pilot bioreactors and associated sensors/instrumentation
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards throughout all stages of the fermentation process, maintaining detailed documentation and records for quality control and regulatory purposes
• Work with scientists and technicians to track and improve protein quality and activity
• Facilitate technology transfer to CMOs

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. with 3+ years of hands-on fermentation and process development experience or a PhD focused on process development or fermentation technologies
• Experience in microbial fermentation processes at lab scale, ideally within the agricultural, food, or pharmaceutical industries
• Deep knowledge of fermentation principles, processes, and equipment
• Must be comfortable with basic controls and instrumentation necessary for bioreactor maintenance and operation
• Practical knowledge of microbial physiology, with a track record of developing new processes
• A creative, roll up your sleeves, problem solver
• Willingness to learn and contribute to molecular analysis of proteins
• Comfortable working independently and with a team
• Curiosity, intention, tenacity, team mindset, and accountability to the mission
• Must love cows

Benefits and Diversity

Statement from the Company: We offer competitive salary and equity options, and benefits include health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan. We value diversity in thought from people with all types of experiences, ethnicities, talents, ages, and ideas, and we encourage candidates from minority and disadvantaged groups to apply.