Director Fermentation Science Jobs in California

Founded in 2016, Checkerspot set out with a bold mission: to harness biotechnology to unlock the power of nature’s molecular building blocks. From the start, the company has focused on developing high-performance fats and oils that aren’t easily or sustainably sourced from nature, using precision fermentation to bring innovative solutions to market.

Whether in food, nutrition, or beyond, Checkerspot has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible – proving that science and sustainability can drive real-world impact.

Our company culture can best be understood through experience. Come get to know us! We’d like to be known more by what we do than what we say.

We seek an enthusiastic, team oriented, problem solver to join our Process Development team as a Scientist/Engineer. We are seeking someone with hands-on experience in both fermentation development and downstream processing, from bench through pilot scale. The ideal candidate will have experience scaling processes and transferring them to internal manufacturing teams or contract manufacturing partners.

• Independently design, execute, and interpret fermentation experiments in a team environment, including clean-up, set-up, operations, sugar prep, sampling, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and presentation of data
• Prepare production media and buffers, sterilize equipment, operate bioreactors, and perform seed scale-up from lab to pilot scale
• Assess the performance of microbial strains and their evaluation and characterization through method-based, reproducible lab techniques; partner with Strain Engineering to translate strain performance into process performance
• Troubleshoot fermentation and equipment issues to root cause and implement corrective actions, performing effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Apply statistical design of experiments and data analysis tools (e.g., JMP) to improve titer, rate, yield, and process robustness, and to define process specifications
• Manage cross-functional projects from experimental planning through execution, scale-up, and completion

• Develop, optimize, and scale downstream unit operations including centrifugation, mechanical and aqueous extraction, cell disruption, and various drying methods
• Contribute to oil recovery and refining process development — mechanical press, refining, bleaching, and deodorization — and to the alignment of downstream operations with product quality specifications
• Define process parameters, in-process controls, and acceptance criteria; author SOPs, batch records, and technical reports that support reproducible, quality-oriented operations

• Support transfer of fermentation and downstream processes to internal pilot operations with external CDMOs, including on-site support
• Create organized records and maintain high-quality documentation for newly developed approaches, including complete and timely entries in the electronic lab notebook (Benchling)
• Communicate results and recommendations through written reports and presentations to technical teams, senior leadership, and external partners

• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning, and deliver against agreed milestones with minimal supervision
• Mentor Research Associates to design, execute, and analyze experiments, and direct the day-to-day technical work of junior staff on assigned projects as needed
• Work closely with the Molecular Biology, Analytical, and Applications teams to assess the impact of strain and process changes on key performance metrics
• Engage in technical discussions and research planning, and regularly present results at company and external meetings
• Support Checkerspot’s stated Public Benefits to promote the advancement of environmental stewardship, including by developing more sustainable higher performance materials, and by democratizing materials and tools for innovative product development for the betterment of local communities
• Accountable for building a strong safety culture and actively pursue it daily; identify unsafe behaviors and conditions and intervene to mitigate incidents
• Must be able to follow Standard Operating Procedures

• B.S. in Bioprocess or Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field with 6-10 years of relevant experience; or an M.S. in a related field with 2-6 years; or a Ph.D. in a related field with 0-4 years
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with the set-up, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors; experience with a variety of bench-scale fermentation platforms preferred
• Hands-on downstream processing experience, including centrifugation and one or more of drying, mechanical press, extraction, or oil refining, bleaching, and deodorizing
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret fermentation and downstream data, troubleshoot, and solve critical problems independently
• Track record of scaling processes from bench to pilot or commercial scale and transferring them to manufacturing teams or CDMO partners
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact with colleagues at all levels
• Ability to successfully work in a project-driven and team-oriented environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (raw materials) with assistance
• Flexible work schedule including off hours and weekend days as needed
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.)

• Experience with algal, cyanobacterial, fungal, or other lipid-accumulating or oleaginous microbial production systems
• Experience developing or operating processes for food-grade or nutritional products, including authoring batch records and validation protocols and supporting quality review
• Statistical analysis and design of experiments (JMP or equivalent) applied to process characterization, specification setting, and tech transfer reconciliation
• Experience training or supporting external partners and CDMOs on site, including start-up and troubleshooting of unfamiliar equipment and facilities
• Experience mentoring or leading small technical teams and defining team- or project-level metrics
• Familiarity with electronic lab notebook and LIMS platforms (Benchling preferred)

Checkerspot offers its employees a competitive benefits and compensation package. The expected pay range for this role is $110,000 to $130,000 annually with final determination commensurate with experience.

Checkerspot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.