Senior Microbiologist | Bioprocess & Fermentation Lead

Clarke; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

LinkedIn Learning subscriptions

Parental leave

EV incentives

Volunteer time

PTO

Paid holidays

Winter break

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Clarke seeks a Senior Microbiologist to lead daily microbiology lab operations, acting as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies. The role guides programs from evaluation to commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support, and advances cultivation/fermentation methods for manufacturing readiness.

The incumbent will mentor staff, collaborate with QA, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development, and drive innovation with emphasis on ISO/GLP

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Microbiology, biotechnology or related field; 5+ years in industry, or B.Sc. with 8+ years.
• Aseptic techniques proficiency including cell counting, streak plating, media analysis and OD readings.
• Experience with bioreactor operations and downstream processing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and think critically.
• Strong data collection, reporting and English communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily microbiology lab operations with adherence to quality/safety standards.
• Serve as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies.
• Lead programs from evaluation through commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation for yield and scalability.
• Maintain microbial culture collections and troubleshoot challenges.
• Collaborate with QA, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development teams.
• Develop testing methods, validation protocols and QC systems.
• Provide project leadership and manage priorities/resources; report progress to leadership.
• Mentor microbiologists and lab personnel through coaching and training.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches; present actionable recommendations.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and research findings.
• Ensure ISO, GLP and regulatory compliance while promoting safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Bioreactor ops

Data analysis

Mentoring

English fluency

Education

M.Sc. in Microbiology or related field

B.Sc. with 8+ years of experience

PhD preferred

Tools

Bio command software

Downstream processing

Job description

Clarke seeks a Senior Microbiologist to lead daily microbiology lab operations, acting as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies. The role guides programs from evaluation to commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support, and advances cultivation/fermentation methods for manufacturing readiness.

The incumbent will mentor staff, collaborate with QA, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development, and drive innovation with emphasis on ISO/GLP