Role Summary Seeking a skilled and motivated Fermentation Specialist with 4–6 years of experience in microbial fermentation using E. coli and yeast, including large-scale (up to 2.5 KL) bioreactor operations. The role demands proven expertise in bioreactor operations, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to drive successful execution of upstream fermentation campaigns from lab bench to large-scale production. Key Responsibilities • Design, execute, and scale-up fermentation processes in E. coli and yeast systems • Operate and troubleshoot manual and semi-automatic fermenters at lab, pilot, and manufacturing scales (up to 2.5 KL) • Collaborate with SCM teams for raw material management, including RM request initiation using Align Books software • Manage TFF operations across various scales, including Pall Minimate (lab scale) and production-scale units (10 L to 500 L) • Perform routine maintenance and calibration of lab instrumentation (pH meters, spectrophotometers, incubators, centrifuges, BSCs, LAFs, etc.) • Drive process documentation by preparing BMRs and SOPs; provide structured training to new team members and • Lead and manage a team of up to 13 personnel, ensuring timely, compliant, and efficient process execution • Perform protein quantification using established analytical techniques • Interface with utility systems (chillers, steam boilers, compressors, cooling towers) to maintain process continuity • Work flexible hours or shift operations during scale-critical activities or project deadlines • Coordinate closely with downstream processing, analytics, and quality teams for end-to-end process integration Required Qualifications & Experience • M.Sc. / M. Tech in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related discipline • 4–6 years of industry experience in microbial fermentation processes (E. coli and yeast) • Strong command of upstream bioprocessing principles, operational troubleshooting, and data interpretation • Working knowledge of process analytics, GMP documentation, and basic EHS practices • Demonstrated experience handling fermenters at pilot and production scale (up to 2.5 KL) • Familiarity with bioreactor platforms (e.g., Applikon, Sartorius, BioFlo) • Solid understanding of microbial physiology, media optimization, and fed-batch/continuous processes Desirable Skills • Exposure to scale-down models and process troubleshooting • Experience with tech transfer and GMP documentation • Comfort with data analysis software (e.g., JMP, GRAPHPAD PRISM, MODDE or similar) • Strong analytical, collaborative, and problem-solving skills
