Process Scientist / Fermentation

Kerry; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 70,100 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee Share Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a Process Scientist – Fermentation to own fermentation processes, drive optimization, and support scale-up from pilot to manufacturing. The role requires scientific leadership, collaboration with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D to ensure safe, efficient production and robust process understanding through data analysis and experiments.

Responsibilities include CAPA, process standardization, and implementing new technologies to improve yield, cost, and cycle time.

Qualifications

• Requires advanced degree in a relevant science and hands-on fermentation experience.
• Proven ability to optimize production processes and scale-up from pilot to manufacturing.
• Strong data-driven mindset with DOE and statistical analysis skills.
• Experience with quality systems and contamination control is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned fermentation and downstream processes from an engineering perspective.
• Provide scientific guidance to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
• Investigate deviations and quality issues with Operations and Quality teams.
• Monitor process capability and yield; drive CAPA and continuous improvements.
• Lead optimization projects for yield, cost reduction, cycle time, and capacity.
• Design and analyze pilot-scale and manufacturing-scale trials using DOE.
• Identify opportunities to simplify and standardize manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Quality and R&D to establish robust analytical capabilities.
• Support new technology implementation for better performance.

Skills

Fermentation process development

Scale-up optimization

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Data analysis & visualization

Industrial microbiology

Troubleshooting & project management

Analytical instrumentation (HPLC/LC-MS

Communication & presentation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Microbiology or related field

Experience in biotechnology/fermentation industries

Tools

Bioreactors

Filtration systems

Centrifuges

Sterilization systems

Analytical equipment (HPLC/LC-MS/GC-MS)

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

The Process Scientist – Fermentation serves as the technical owner for assigned fermentation manufacturing processes, providing scientific leadership and operational support to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role is responsible for process optimization, yield improvement, contamination control, strain management, process troubleshooting, technology transfer, and commercialization of new fermentation technologies.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams, the Process Scientist drives continuous improvement initiatives, develops process understanding through data analysis and experimentation, and supports the successful scale-up and commercialization of fermentation-based products. The position bridges research, engineering, and manufacturing environments, ensuring robust and sustainable production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner for assigned fermentation and downstream manufacturing processes.
• Provide scientific expertise to support safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Partner with Operations and Quality teams to investigate process deviations, quality issues, and manufacturing challenges.
• Monitor and improve process capability, consistency, productivity, yield, and product quality.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Develop and maintain process standards, operating parameters, and best practices.
• Lead process optimization projects focused on yield improvement, cost reduction, cycle‑time reduction, and capacity enhancement.

Design, execute, and analyze pilot-scale and manufacturing-scale trials utilizing Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical methodologies.

Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and improve manufacturing processes.

Drive initiatives to reduce waste, rework, and production losses.

Support the implementation of new technologies that enhance operational performance.

Collaborate with Quality and R&D teams to establish robust analytical capabilities.

Utilize techniques such as HPLC, LC‑MS, GC‑MS, and other analytical tools to support process understanding and control.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 2–5 years of experience supporting industrial fermentation, biotechnology, food ingredients, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation process development, scale‑up, optimization, and process control.
• Experience with statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability analysis, and data visualization tools.
• Knowledge of industrial microbiology, contamination control, and strain management principles.
• Experience working with large‑scale fermentation and downstream processing equipment, including fermenters and bioreactors, centrifuges, filtration systems, evaporators, spray dryers, and sterilization systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, LC‑MS, and GC‑MS.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this position is \$70,100 – \$122,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay‑for‑performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

This job posting is anticipated to expire on Sep 30th, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).