Senior Microbiologist: Fermentation, Scale-Up & Tech Leadership

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with match

Tuition reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning

Paid parental leave

PTO & holidays

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Clarke is seeking a Senior Microbiologist in St. Charles, IL to lead daily microbiology lab operations and drive innovation across the organization.

You will act as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies, guiding programs from evaluation through commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support. The role requires advanced degree with extensive hands-on microbiology and bioprocess experience, strong problem-solving, and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• MSc in Microbiology or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, OR BSc with 8+ years of relevant experience; PhD strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and handling of bacterial cultures.
• Hands-on bioreactor operations and downstream process optimization experience.
• Ability to work independently with strong critical thinking and adaptability.
• Data collection, report writing and presentation skills in English.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily microbiology lab operations, ensuring efficient workflow and compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Act as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies, providing guidance.
• Lead programs from evaluation through commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation processes for yield and scalability.
• Maintain microbial culture collections and troubleshoot challenges via root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development teams.
• Develop testing methods, validation protocols, and QC systems for product integrity.
• Provide project leadership, manage priorities and resources, and report progress to leadership.
• Mentor microbiologists and lab personnel through training and coaching.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches to identify emerging technologies.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and research findings.
• Ensure ISO, GLP, and regulatory compliance while promoting safety and innovation.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Bioreactor operations

Data analysis

English communication

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

MSc in Microbiology or related field

PhD preferred

BSc with 8+ years experience

Tools

BioCommand software

Job description

Clarke is seeking a Senior Microbiologist in St. Charles, IL to lead daily microbiology lab operations and drive innovation across the organization.

You will act as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies, guiding programs from evaluation through commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support. The role requires advanced degree with extensive hands-on microbiology and bioprocess experience, strong problem-solving, and the ability to travel as needed.