Senior Fermentation Scientist

Valent BioSciences

Lead upstream fermentation experiments for biorational solutions at Sumitomo Biorational Company. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement sustainable agricultural innovations.

Posted 7/17/2026full-timeLibertyville • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $124,000 - $145,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in upstream process development and fermentation science, with a strong focus on optimizing microbial strain performance and mentoring junior scientists. Proficient in utilizing statistical tools for process robustness and maintaining compliance with safety and operational standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fermentation Process DevelopmentMicrobial CultivationSIP Bioreactor SystemsStatistical Analysis SoftwareTeam Leadership and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Microbial Strain CulturingAseptic TechniquesProcess OptimizationData AnalysisTechnology Transfer

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsPresentation SkillsListening SkillsCollaborationDiversity and Inclusion Advocacy

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office 365Electronic Lab NotebookSOPsPilot Scale Fermentation EquipmentStatistical Tools

Industry Keywords

BioAgricultureFermentation ScienceBiorational SolutionsMetabolite ProductionInterdisciplinary Research

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead internal upstream process development efforts at the Sumitomo Biorational Company Biorational Research Center by conducting fermentation experiments in laboratory- and pilot-scale bioreactors.
Evaluate the performance of microbial strain candidates by analysis and interpretation of fermentation data.
Work with a team of fermentation scientists, downstream process engineers, formulations scientists, microbial engineers and analytical chemists to develop sustainable biorational solutions within the expanding field of BioAgriculture.
Design and implement upstream processes to optimize strain performance of bacterial and fungal microorganisms to produce microbial products, metabolites and proteins.
Mentor junior team members by training safe and proper use of fermentation and analytical equipment required to execute process development and improvement experiments.
Provide guidance to research associates and support their professional development.
Take primary responsibility for the operation and troubleshooting of pilot scale fermentation equipment.
Design scale up and scale down experiments to execute seamless technology transfer between Research and Manufacturing operations.
Build strong relationships with supporting research departments and deliver fermentations on time or ahead of schedule to biology, downstream processing, formulations, and product development teams.
Travel to manufacturing site to launch new fermentation processes and troubleshoot current commercial processes.
Maintain and further develop collaborative relationship with the pilot and production fermentation team at the manufacturing site.
Execute sophisticated process development experiments utilizing statistical tools to ensure process robustness.
Work alongside data scientists, IT, and engineering to build and maintain a digital system to organize and archive run data and electronic batch records.
Maintain and update laboratory data and documents including electronic lab notebook and SOPs.
Conduct all work in strict compliance with all applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standards operating procedures and/or guidelines while maintaining a clean and orderly workspace.
Work both independently and with interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Expertise in culturing microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, to increase metabolite productivity using aseptic techniques
Hands-on experience using lab-scale or pilot-scale SIP bioreactor systems for microbial cultivations and metabolite production, particularly with non-model bacterial and fungal organisms
Experience training junior scientists in the use of fermentation equipment and execution of process development experiments
High degree of competency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite and statistical analysis software
Strong communication, presentation, and listening skills in cross-functional teams
Willingness to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion
Able to lift up to 25 lbs
Degree in Fermentation Science, Chemical/Biochemical/Biosystems Engineering, or closely related field with industrial fermentation experience (5 years with PhD, 8 years with MS, 12+ years with BS).

Benefits

Comp & perks

High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
Financial assistance programs to support your goals
Life and disability insurance for added security
Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days