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Biotechnology Fermentation Jobs in San Ramon, CA

Biotechnology Fermentation information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$45.8K

$123.7K

$168.2K

How much do biotechnology fermentation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotechnology fermentation in San Ramon, CA is $123,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,100.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Infographic showing various Biotechnology Fermentation job openings in San Ramon, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,667 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Biochemistry & Research Applications

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$115K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


International Flavors & Fragrances rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary
Are you passionate about using biotechnology and biochemistry to create sustainable solutions for food, feed, and renewable fuels?
IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.
Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer and industrial markets.
The role is based in Palo Alto, California. Be part of a collaborative, innovative, and solution-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration. Where You'll Make a Difference
  • Investigate the impact of enzyme and yeast technologies in the production of biofuels, animal feed, and food ingredients.
  • Apply expertise in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, fermentation, or related disciplines to develop innovative technical solutions.
  • Build and optimize laboratory and digital model systems that evaluate enzyme and yeast performance in customer-relevant processes.
  • Design, execute, analyze, and present experimental plans and research findings to project teams and stakeholders.
  • Generate technical data and provide bioanalytical and applications support for research and product development initiatives.
  • Lead technical workstreams and contribute creative ideas that advance innovation and business objectives.
  • Support the transfer and implementation of new products and processes to manufacturing sites and customer operations.
  • Utilize advanced digital tools and data analysis techniques to evaluate laboratory and customer process datasets.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across global locations to drive project success and deliver value to customers.

What Makes You the Right Fit
  • Ph.D. in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, food, or industrial research environment.
  • Hands-on experience with bioanalytical instrumentation and biochemical assay development.
  • Strong understanding of enzymology, fermentation, bioprocessing, or related biochemical systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of scientific data.
  • Experience translating research findings into practical applications and product development opportunities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information.
  • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% as required.

How Would You Stand Out?
  • Experience with yeast fermentation, oil biochemistry, or grain processing applications.
  • Proficiency using advanced digital modeling, data analytics, or process simulation tools.
  • Creative, adaptable, and proactive approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

Why Choose Us?
  • Competitive Benefits (US): Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), vacation, holidays, 16 weeks paid parental leave (maternity and paternity), and an annual bonus plan. IFF was also recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Perks & Benefits.
  • Diversity & Inclusion (US): IFF has been recognized previously in the US on the Disability Equality Index® - Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion
  • Innovation: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and trailblazing advancements in biotechnology. Meaningful work helping advance solutions for renewable fuels, food ingredients, and animal nutrition.
  • Global Collaboration: Be part of a global organization that values innovation, creativity, and collaborating amongst our diverse, cross-functional teams
  • Sustainability: Contribute to solutions that support a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. IFF was recognized on the Forbes Net Zero Leaders 2026 list within the chemicals/materials sector.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.
Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more
Salary Ranges:
100,436.00ㅤ-ㅤ143,480.00ㅤUSD

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