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Biotechnology Fermentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

PhD with 1-5 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, fermentation science, or a related field. * Hands-on experience with submerged liquid ...

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

PhD with 1-5 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, fermentation science, or a related field. * Hands-on experience with submerged liquid ...

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced ... Develop downstream purification processes for fermentation-derived products, from bench scale ...

ProFarm

Intern, Bioprocess

Davis, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... fermentation samples QUALIFICATIONS: • College student, preferably enrolled in biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering or related fields. • Ability to work flexible hours ESSENTIAL MENTAL ...

BioMADE

Process Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

This pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream ...

New

Piper Maddox

Process Engineer

Calipatria, CA · On-site

Process Engineer - Calipatria CA Piper Maddox is partnering with an exciting biotechnology energy ... algae, fermentation, food/feed, or comparable bio-based manufacturing * Genuinely hands-on ...

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Biotechnology Fermentation information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$109.2K

$148.5K

How much do biotechnology fermentation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotechnology fermentation in California is $109,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biotechnology fermentation?

A Biotechnology Fermentation job involves using microorganisms, cell cultures, or enzymes to produce biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, biofuels, and other biochemical products. Professionals in this field operate and optimize fermentation processes, monitor bioreactors, and ensure quality control in industrial or research settings. They may work in pharmaceutical, food, or biotech industries, focusing on scaling up production while maintaining efficiency and compliance with regulations.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a biotechnology fermentation?

In a Biotechnology Fermentation role, your daily tasks often include preparing and monitoring bioreactors, optimizing fermentation parameters, sampling and analyzing culture progress, and maintaining rigorous documentation of all processes. You’ll also be responsible for troubleshooting equipment issues, ensuring contamination control, and collaborating closely with quality assurance, research, and production teams. The work is typically hands-on and may involve shift work or extended hours during critical production phases. This role offers opportunities for skill development and advancement, particularly for those keen on process optimization and cross-functional teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in biotechnology fermentation?

To excel in Biotechnology Fermentation, you need a solid background in microbiology, bioprocess engineering, and chemistry, often supported by a relevant degree in biotechnology or related fields. Familiarity with fermentation equipment, bioreactor control systems, and aseptic techniques, as well as certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining quality standards, and driving innovation within biotechnology manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biotechnology Fermentation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Biotechnology Fermentation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Biotechnology Fermentation jobs in California?

For Biotechnology Fermentation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biotechnology Fermentation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotechnology Fermentation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Biotechnology Fermentation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Biotechnology Fermentation job openings:

Biotechnology Fermentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biotechnology Fermentation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,213 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Research Associate, Fermentation

Debut Biotech

San Diego, CA • On-site

$21 - $26.44/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Debut
Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do-setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world. Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.
Research Associate, Fermentation
Summary
Debut Biotechnology is seeking a Research Associate to aid in microbial fermentation processes for small molecule production. This individual should be versed in fermentation science and have a basic understanding of microbial physiology, secondary metabolism, and biosynthetic pathways. The ideal candidate would be an energetic, adaptive, creative, and highly self-motivated individual who enjoys undertaking complex challenges both individually and as part of a team. The successful candidate will interact closely with molecular biologists, chemists, and engineers and will be directly responsible for bench-scale bioreactor operation and small molecule product analysis. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills are essential due to the highly collaborative nature of the position.
Essential Functions
  • Design and execution of fermentation experiments across multiple volumes
  • Optimization of fermentation operations by controlling numerous parameters
  • Maintenance of bench-scale bioreactors
  • Preparation of media, buffers, and chemical solutions
  • Product sampling and chemical/microbiological analysis
  • Bioreactor and laboratory material cleaning and sterilization
  • Data processing and statistical analysis to maximize understanding of strain performance
  • High throughput experiment optimization across multiple reaction volumes
  • Evening/nights and weekend work may be required on occasions

Education and Experience
Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree; OR Associate's Degree + 2 years of experience; OR HS Diploma/GED + 4 years of experience
  • Attention to detail and meticulous record keeping
  • Intermediate/advanced Excel skills
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple projects

Preferred:
  • Experience with small molecule fermentation via genetically engineered organisms is a plus
  • Experience applying molecular biology techniques is a plus
  • Experience using statistical software to analyze large datasets is a plus
  • Experience understanding and running advanced experimental designs is a plus
  • Experience interpreting fermentation's product and byproduct results is a plus

Essential Physical Characteristics
The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
  • Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
  • Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
  • Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting). Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
  • Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
  • The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
  • The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment
As part of Debut's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Pay Range: $21.00 - $26.44 / hourly

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