Research Scientist in Indianapolis

Energy Jobline ZR; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR seeks a Research Scientist to drive strain improvement and fermentation development. You will execute process support projects, apply microbiology and molecular genetics techniques, and develop enhanced microbial strains and fermentation processes for current and future manufacturing.

This role requires hands-on experience with microbes, aseptic techniques, data analysis, and collaboration with scientists and technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or related major.
• 2+ years of industrial or lab experience in analytics, molecular biology, genetics.
• Proficient with aseptic techniques, data analysis, and problem solving; knowledge of safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Improve industrial Streptomyces strains and fermentation processes.
• Identify process improvements through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Develop small-scale fermentation models to support scale-up and screening.
• Support high-throughput fermentation screening, data analysis, and root-cause investigations.
• Apply statistical tools to enhance process understanding and drive improvements.
• Coordinate projects to address performance issues and ensure GLP/HSE compliance.
• Work aseptically with bacteria and document experiments clearly.
• Prepare technical summaries and present findings at meetings.

Skills

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Statistics

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelors in microbiology/Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

JMP

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Research Scientist

Position Description:

The scientist is responsible for current strain improvement activities, executing process support and improvement projects for current and future manufacturing processes. Using their experience in microbiology, molecular genetics, analytics, and fermentation development, this role will be responsible for applying these tools in the development of improved microbial strains and fermentation processes.

Functions, Duties, Tasks:

• Improve industrial Streptomyces strains and develop a deeper understanding of fermentation of various Streptomyces species.
• Identify process improvement opportunities through data collection, mining, observation and technical report writing in collaboration with scientists and technicians.
• Develop small scale fermentation models to support large scale industrial natural product fermentation. Apply the small-scale bioreactor models to support screening of improved Streptomyces strains and process development.
• Support high throughput fermentation screening, including planning, designing, coordinating, screening of cultures to identify improved strains, data analysis and control charting at the end of each run to identify shifts in the process, perform and document root cause investigation of every Beta run.
• Use scientific and statistical analysis tools to improve process understanding and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Develop / execute projects to address process performance issues and deliver improvement opportunities.
• Aseptically work with different bacteria.
• Ensure all experiments are well designed and documented with clear objectives in electronic notebook and/or batch records.
• Write and present technical summaries in reports and at department technical meetings and reviews.
• Ensure work is aligned with all relevant development quality, regulatory, HSE, and GLP requirements.

Minimum Qualification (education, experience and/or training, required certifications):

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related major.
• 2+ years of industrial experience or relevant laboratory experience, including analytical, molecular biology, genetics.
• Technical Proficiency & Problem-Solving:Technically inquisitive with high learning agility, strong problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Demonstrated hands‑on experience with microbes, molecular biology, aseptic techniques (including Streptomyces), basic statistics, and Microsoft Office. Familiar with Environmental and Safety compliance, lab PPE, and safe laboratory practices.
• Collaboration & Communication:Effective oral and written communication, self‑management skills, ability to multitask and prioritize activities. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of an integrated team, promoting safe behaviors among coworkers.

Additional Preferences:

• Ability to troubleshoot and operate automated liquid handling equipment.
• Experience with bioreactors for small scale fermentation modelling and high throughput screening.
• Experience in tech transfer, scale up, and validation of biopharmaceutical processes.
• Prior experience and knowledge of fermentation manufacturing and/or development.
• Previous statistical background e.g. experimental data analysis and interpretation.
• Statistical background e.g. experimental data analysis and interpretation, familiar with JMP.
• Scientific curiosity and creativity in adaptation/modification of existing techniques for novel uses.

Other Information:

• Onsite 5 days a week.
• May work with potentially hazardous and/or biologically active materials.