Senior Scientist – Biofermentation & Process Development

Evotec; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 81,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical benefits

Dental and Vision

401k company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Evotec seeks a Senior Scientist to join the Reagents team in the US. You will drive fermentation process development, with emphasis on protein expression and fed-batch strategies using Bioreactors from 5 L to 30 L.

This role requires deep fermentation expertise, collaboration across Bioengineering, Expression, and Purification teams, and hands-on problem solving. The candidate will design experiments, optimize production pipelines, ensure data integrity, and contribute to high-quality

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Biological Sciences, Biological Engineering, or a related field; 5+ years for MS candidates.
• Experience with protein expression across diverse targets in prokaryotic hosts.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams by conducting experiments to defined objectives and timelines.
• Develop, optimize, and scale up fermentation processes.
• Troubleshoot fermentation performance issues and implement process improvements.
• Design experimental routes and scale-up strategies to achieve project goals.
• Prepare reports and present data to internal and external partners.
• Coach and mentor junior colleagues on experimental execution.

Skills

Protein expression

Fermentation processes

Fed-batch fermentation

Bioreactor operation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in Biological Sciences or Biological Engineering

Tools

BioFlo bioreactors

Purification techniques

Job description

Job Title

Senior Scientist - Biofermentation & Process Development

About Us

this is who we are

At Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged—it’s celebrated.

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCurious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

The Role

We’re looking for a passionate and curious Senior Scientist to join our Reagents team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Senior Scientist at Evotec, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

The successful candidate will join a Protein Science team of ~ 40 members and will be responsible for the expression, particularly fed-batch fermentation using Bioreactors, and purification of a diverse range of protein targets relevant to pharmaceutical research. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in fermentation science, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast-paced, data‑driven environment.

What You’ll Do

• Support project teams by conducting experiments according to defined objectives and timelines.
• Develop, optimize, and scale up fermentation processes
• Troubleshoot fermentations performances issues and implement process improvements and corrective measures
• Independently design experimental routes and implement risk‑mitigation strategies; develop optimization and scale‑up strategies to achieve project goals.
• Apply scientific knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve challenges, seeking input from line managers or team members when needed.
• Prepare written reports, present data, and collaborate with internal and external scientific partners.
• Present work at project-level and department-level technical meetings as required.
• Demonstrate full command of all techniques and tools relevant to assigned project responsibilities.
• Coach and mentor junior colleagues on experimental execution and design.
• Ensure safe laboratory practices for oneself and any direct reports, adhering fully to company safety policies (including COPs and SOPs).
• Stay current with scientific literature relevant to assigned projects.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation in accordance with Lab Notebook guidelines.

Who You Are

• MS or PhD in Biological Sciences, Biological Engineering, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience for MS candidates.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to effectively partner with the Bioengineering, Expression, and Purification teams at Evotec.
• A dynamic, accurate, and innovative self-starter with a flexible, problem‑solving mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures, with a commitment to producing high-quality documentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression, including experience expressing diverse protein types in prokaryotic hosts.
• Experience with Biofermentation process design, development, and optimization for protein production
• Hands‑on experience with fed‑batch fermentations using mid‑scale BioFlo bioreactors (5 L to 30 L - strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with high‑throughput optimization of expression conditions, including solubility and activity screening, and strategies for increasing protein yield.
• Experience in protein purification using a wide range of methods and affinity tags
• Familiarity or proficiency with bioinformatics tools for construct design.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• The ideal candidate should have demonstrated exceptional client orientation, ensuring clear communication and excellent service delivery.
• Strong documentation skills, including accurate notebook maintenance and the ability to present results internally and at client meetings.

Why Join Us

• Growth Opportunities: We’re a company that believes in continuous learning and development. Whether it’s professional courses, mentorship, or new projects, we’ll help you grow.
• Flexible Work Environment: We offer flexible work options to help you balance your professional and personal life. This role is site based.
• Inclusive Culture: We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued, and curiosity is encouraged.
• Innovative Projects: You’ll have the chance to work on groundbreaking initiatives and cutting‑edge technology in an atmosphere where your curiosity is the key to success.
• A Place for Big Ideas: We don’t just talk about thinking outside the box—we throw the box away. If you’ve got ideas, we want to hear them.

Let your curiosity guide your career—#BeCurious and explore the endless possibilities at Evotec!

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $80,750 to $109,250. Base salary offered may vary depending on the individual's skills, experience and competitive market value.

• discretionary annual bonus
• comprehensive benefits to include Medical
• Dental and Vision
• short-term and long-term disability
• company paid basic life insurance
• 401k company match
• flexible work
• generous paid time off and paid holiday
• wellness and transportation benefits

Evotec (US) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.