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Director Fermentation Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Hire/Full Benefits Salary: $24 per hour with potential pay increases The Chemical Operator ... Labeling of fermentation vessel pipes and valves * Participate in safety training programs

... and fermentation principles. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other ... DIRECT REPORTS This position is not responsible for leading others. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this ...

Clear communication with the Quality Manager, Director of Operations, Packaging Manager, and other ... A 4-year degree in Biology, Chemistry, Fermentation Science, Food Science or other related programs ...

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Director Fermentation Science information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Fermentation Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Fermentation Science, you need advanced knowledge in microbiology, biochemistry, and fermentation processes, usually supported by a master's or PhD in a related field. Familiarity with bioreactor operation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and regulatory compliance is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and manage diverse teams. These skills are crucial to ensure efficient production, maintain product quality, and lead scientific advancements within the organization.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Fermentation Science, and how can they be managed effectively?

A Director of Fermentation Science often faces challenges such as optimizing fermentation processes for yield and consistency, troubleshooting microbial contamination, and scaling up new formulations from lab to production. Managing these issues requires strong cross-functional collaboration with quality assurance, production, and R&D teams, as well as staying current with technological advancements in fermentation. Effective Directors foster a culture of continuous improvement and clear communication to ensure regulatory compliance and product quality while supporting team development.

What does a Director of Fermentation Science do?

A Director of Fermentation Science leads and oversees the research, development, and optimization of fermentation processes within an organization, often in industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology. They manage teams of scientists and technicians, design experiments, and ensure that fermentation operations are efficient, safe, and compliant with regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with other departments to scale up production and implement innovative fermentation technologies. Their goal is to improve product quality, yield, and sustainability.

What is the difference between Director Fermentation Science vs Fermentation Scientist?

AspectDirector Fermentation ScienceFermentation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Fermentation Science, Microbiology, or related fields; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related fields; specialized training
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams, projects, and strategy in manufacturing or R&D facilitiesLaboratory or production settings focused on experimental research and process development
Employer & IndustryBrewing, biotech, food production companies

The main difference is that the Director Fermentation Science leads and manages fermentation projects and teams, focusing on strategy and oversight, while the Fermentation Scientist conducts research and experiments to develop or improve fermentation processes. Both roles require relevant credentials, but the director holds a broader leadership responsibility.

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Infographic showing various Director Fermentation Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, and 80% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Senior Director, TS/MS and Site Head - Elanco Technology Center

Senior Director, TS/MS and Site Head - Elanco Technology Center

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role: Senior Director, TS/MS and Site Head - Elanco Technology Center (ETC)
As the Senior Director, TS/MS and Site Head of the Elanco Technology Center (ETC), you will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for Elanco's biologics and fermentation development capabilities. In this role, you will lead a team of scientists and engineers to advance deep bioprocess expertise supporting monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and microbial fermentation platforms across the full product lifecycle. You will drive process optimization, technology transfer, and lifecycle management initiatives to improve process robustness, reduce cost of goods, and ensure reliable global supply across Elanco Animal Health.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Lead global product lifecycle management across biologics platforms (mAbs, vaccines, and microbial fermentation), driving improvements in process robustness, yield, cycle time, and COGS optimization for commercial products
  • Identify and execute end-to-end process improvement initiatives across upstream, downstream, and analytical operations, including process intensification, raw material strategy, control strategy optimization, and capacity or scale enhancements
  • Partner with global manufacturing sites to resolve complex technical issues, lead root cause investigations, and implement sustainable solutions that improve process capability, throughput, and supply reliability
  • Provide full site leadership for ETC, including safety, quality, compliance, facilities, capital planning, and operational excellence, ensuring ETC remains a Center of Excellence for biologics development, scale-up, and technology transfer
  • Develop and lead a high-performing team of ~25 scientists and engineers, building strong technical capability and influencing enterprise technical strategy through collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and external partners

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education: Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline
  • Required Experience: 15+ years of experience in biologics, vaccine, or fermentation environments supporting process development and commercial lifecycle management in GMP settings, including at least 5 years of people leadership
  • Experience and proven success in talent development and succession management
  • Top 2 skills: Deep leadership bioprocess expertise across development through commercialization (including strong upstream experience) and demonstrated leadership capability to drive process performance improvements that reduce COGS and improve supply reliability

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Experience supporting monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and microbial fermentation products across development and commercial manufacturing
  • Proven track record delivering measurable improvements in yield, throughput, capacity, or cost reduction for commercial biologics processes
  • Strong upstream expertise (cell culture or fermentation) with working knowledge of downstream purification and integrated process control strategies
  • Experience leading site operations, budgets, and capital projects tied to process improvement or capability expansion
  • Strong influencing skills across global manufacturing networks and cross-functional stakeholders

Additional Information:
  • Travel: Approximately 20-30% annually
  • Location: Elanco Technology Center - Indianapolis, IN

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages
  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
  • 8-week parental leave
  • 9 Employee Resource Groups
  • Annual bonus offering
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

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