Sr. Research Associate, Fermentation

The Fynder Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fynder Group is seeking a fermentation specialist to plan, execute, and oversee fermentation development from lab to pilot scales. You will manage experiments, collect aseptic samples, and generate high-integrity data for cross-functional teams.

You will analyze results, prepare technical reports, and contribute to upstream/downstream process development. Strong writing and communication are essential; lifting 25 lb is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related life sciences discipline, with relevant industry experience.
• 2-4 years with relevant experience in fermentation development, microbial cell culture, or bioprocess engineering, depending on educational background and organization requirements.
• Preferred experience in aseptic technique, sampling procedures, laboratory safety, and good documentation practices.
• Experience in data analysis, process troubleshooting, experimental design, and interpretation of fermentation performance data.
• Excellent technical writing skills, ability to prepare accurate experimental records, and present process development findings.
• Effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including upstream and downstream process development, analytical development, and operations.
• Receptive to direction and constructive feedback to apply learning and support team priorities.
• Must be able to lift 25lb

Responsibilities

• Independently plan, execute, and oversee complex fermentation operations across bioreactor scales with minimal supervision.
• Monitor and record the details of experiments, process conditions, and deviations
• Collect samples from experiments using aseptic technique, run routine biological assays ensuring high data integrity.
• Analyze experimental data, compile comprehensive technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Prepare equipment and media for experiments. Assist in the maintenance of consumables and equipment parts and supplies.
• Support downstream process development activities to facilitate harvest material transfer, provide relevant fermentation process data, and support evaluation of downstream process performance.
• Participate in end-to-end process development activities, including integrated upstream–downstream runs, process characterization, and troubleshooting to ensure overall process consistency, product quality, and scalability.
• Plan/organize weekly and daily tasks based on the provided experimental schedule.
• Maintain equipment and work area to be clean, safe, and functional. Participate in safety inspections and reviews.
• Provide support with other scientists as time and testing requires.
• Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome experimental issues.
• Work independently and train additional personnel as needed.

Skills

Fermentation development

Microbial culture

Bioprocess engineering

Data analysis

Process troubleshooting

Experimental design

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in biotechnology or related field

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities:

Independently plan, execute, and oversee complex fermentation operations across bioreactor scales (shake flask, lab and pilot scale) with minimal supervision.

Monitor and record the details of experiments, process conditions, and deviations

Collect samples from experiments using aseptic technique, run routine biological assays ensuring high data integrity.

Analyze experimental data, compile comprehensive technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Prepare equipment and media for experiments. Assist in the maintenance of consumables and equipment parts and supplies.

Support downstream process development activities to facilitate harvest material transfer, provide relevant fermentation process data, and support evaluation of downstream process performance.

Participate in end-to-end process development activities, including integrated upstream–downstream runs, process characterization, and troubleshooting to ensure overall process consistency, product quality, and scalability.

Plan/organize weekly and daily tasks based on the provided experimental schedule.

Maintain equipment and work area to be clean, safe, and functional. Participate in safety inspections and reviews.

Provide support with other scientists as time and testing requires.

Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome experimental issues.

Work independently and train additional personnel as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelors’ degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related life sciences discipline, with relevant industry experience.

2-4 years with relevant experience in fermentation development, microbial cell culture, or bioprocess engineering, depending on educational background and organization requirements.

Preferred previous experience in aseptic technique, sampling procedures, laboratory safety, and good documentation practices.

Experience in data analysis, process troubleshooting, experimental design, and interpretation of fermentation performance data.

Excellent technical writing skills, ability to prepare accurate experimental records, and present process development findings.

Effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including upstream and downstream process development, analytical development, and operations

Receptive to direction and constructive feedback to apply learning and support team priorities.

Must be able to lift 25lb

Preferred Qualifications:

Exposure to downstream processing operations, including mechanical separation, filtration and drying

Experience supporting integrated upstream–downstream process development, scale-up, and technology transfer activities

Familiarity with statistical tools, process characterization, and data-driven process optimization

Ability to manage multiple experiments and contribute to project timelines through independent work.

Travel:

The position will require minimal travel

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.