Senior Fermentation Scientist / Process Development Engineer

Berkner Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental coverage

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Berkner Group is seeking a Senior Fermentation Scientist / Process Development Engineer in the Raleigh/Durham area to design and execute yeast fermentation and protein production processes. You will drive high-yield fermentation programs and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, process optimization, and scale-up from bench to pilot plants, with a focus on sustainable biotechnology and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. with 6+ years of hands-on fermentation and process development experience or 4+ years with a PhD.
• Experience in microbial fermentation from lab to industrial scale, preferably in agri/food/pharma sectors.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation principles, processes, and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development for high yield protein and enzyme production, hands-on.
• Characterize yeast fermentation performance across well plates, shake flasks, benchtop and pilot fermenters.
• Optimize fermentation media and processes to maximize protein titer, including feed composition, profiles, mixing, gas management, and pH control.
• Setup, maintenance, and operation of bench and pilot bioreactors and sensors.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance; maintain detailed documentation for quality control.
• Collaborate with scientists to track and improve protein quality and activity.
• Facilitate technology transfer to CMOs.

Skills

Fermentation

Process development

Bioprocess

Yeast fermentation

Lab skills

3D printing

Molecular analysis of proteins

Education

B.S./M.S. in chemical/biochemical engineering, bioengineering, or microbiology

PhD in chemical/biochemical engineering, bioengineering, or related field

Tools

Bioreactors

Sensors/instrumentation

Pilot scale fermentation

Rapid prototyping/fabrication

Job description

Senior Fermentation Scientist / Process Development Engineer

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 design and 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

• Lead process development for high yield protein and enzyme production, highly hands-on
• Characterize yeast 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 6+ years of hands-on fermentation and process development experience or 4+ years of relevant experience with a PhD in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, bioengineering, microbiology, or a relevant field
• Experience in microbial fermentation processes from lab to industrial scale, ideally within the agricultural, food, or pharmaceutical industries
• Deep knowledge of fermentation principles, processes, and equipment
• 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
• Experience with rapid prototyping, fabrication, and 3D printing is a major plus
• Willingness to learn and contribute to molecular analysis of proteins is a plus
• Comfortable working independently and with a team
• Curiosity, intention, tenacity, team mindset, and accountability to the mission
• Must love cow

Statement from the Company:

We offer competitive salary and equity options, and benefits include:

• health
• vision
• dental
• life insurance
• 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.