Scientist - Fermentation Specialist

Position Description:

The scientist is responsible for current strain improvement activities, executing process support and improvement projects for current and future manufacturing processes. Using their experience in microbiology, molecular genetics, analytics, and fermentation development, this role will be responsible for applying these tools in the development of improved microbial strains and fermentation processes.

Functions, Duties, Tasks:

• Improve industrial Streptomyces strains and develop a deeper understanding of fermentation of various Streptomyces species.
• Identify process improvement opportunities through data collection, mining, observation and technical report writing in collaboration with scientists and technicians.
• Develop small scale fermentation models to support large scale industrial natural product fermentation. Apply the small-scale bioreactor models to support screening of improved Streptomyces strains and process development.
• Support high throughput fermentation screening, including planning, designing, coordinating, screening of cultures to identify improved strains, data analysis and control charting at the end of each run to identify shifts in the process, perform and document root cause investigation of every Beta run.
• Use scientific and statistical analysis tools to improve process understanding and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Develop / execute projects to address process performance issues and deliver improvement opportunities.
• Aseptically work with different bacteria.
• Ensure all experiments are well designed and documented with clear objectives in electronic notebook and/or batch records.
• Write and present technical summaries in reports and at department technical meetings and reviews.
• Ensure work is aligned with all relevant development quality, regulatory, HSE, and GLP requirements.

Minimum Qualification (education, experience and/or training, required certifications):

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related major.
• 2+ years of industrial experience or relevant laboratory experience, including analytical, molecular biology, genetics.
• Technical Proficiency & Problem-Solving: Technically inquisitive with high learning agility, strong problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Demonstrated hands-on experience with microbes, molecular biology, aseptic techniques (including Streptomyces), basic statistics, and Microsoft Office. Familiar with Environmental and Safety compliance, lab PPE, and safe laboratory practices.
• Collaboration & Communication: Effective oral and written communication, self-management skills, ability to multitask and prioritize activities. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of an integrated team, promoting safe behaviors among coworkers.

Additional Preferences:

• Ability to troubleshoot and operate automated liquid handling equipment.
• Experience with bioreactors for small scale fermentation modelling and high throughput screening.
• Experience in tech transfer, scale up, and validation of biopharmaceutical processes.
• Prior experience and knowledge of fermentation manufacturing and/or development.
• Previous statistical background e.g. experimental data analysis and interpretation.
• Statistical background e.g. experimental data analysis and interpretation, familiar with JMP.
• Scientific curiosity and creativity in adaptation/modification of existing techniques for novel uses.