Fermentation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Interested in a career that matters?
At Novonesis, we turn science into biological solutions that make a real difference in the world. As a Scientist I in our Microbial Pilot Plant team, you will play a key role in advancing fermentation processes and supporting innovation from lab to production.
You will join a collaborative, cross-functional environment where science, engineering, and manufacturing come together to develop scalable bioprocess solutions. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to product development, process optimization, and technology transfer that enable sustainable solutions at scale.
The Role & Your Impact
As a Scientist I - Microbial Pilot Plant, you will lead and execute fermentation experiments that support strain, process, and product development. You will translate experimental insights into actionable recommendations that drive business, R&D, and manufacturing outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, designing, and executing microbial fermentation experiments at lab and pilot scale
• Leading fermentation projects from experimental design through execution, analysis, and reporting
• Developing and optimizing fermentation processes, including media, feeding strategies, and process parameters
• Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining pilot-scale fermentation systems and monitoring tools
• Applying experimental design methodologies (e.g., DoE) to improve process understanding
• Analyzing data and delivering clear technical reports and presentations
• Communicating project progress, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders
• Supporting technology transfer activities, including process documentation and training
• Collaborating with R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and business teams
• Ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards
• Contributing to continuous improvement of pilot plant operations and best practices

What You'll Need to Be Successful

• PhD in Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Fermentation Science, or related field
  OR
• Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience
  OR
• Bachelor's degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience
• Hands-on experience in microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, or pilot plant operations
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology and fermentation processes
• Experience designing and executing experiments independently
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and derive sound scientific conclusions
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and manage multiple priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across functions and communicate with diverse stakeholders
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Core competencies:

• Scientific rigor and curiosity
• Technical leadership
• Problem solving and troubleshooting
• Data-driven decision making
• Collaboration and adaptability

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience with bacterial fermentation systems
• Experience with bench-scale and pilot-scale bioreactors
• Familiarity with scale-up principles, oxygen transfer, feeding strategies, and productivity optimization
• Experience with statistical tools and data analysis platforms (e.g., DoE, JMP, R, Python)
• Experience supporting technology transfer to manufacturing
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, ISO, or other regulated environments

What We Offer

• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge biotechnology and fermentation innovation
• A collaborative and inclusive environment where science and impact go hand in hand
• Professional development and career growth within a global organization
• Cross-functional exposure across R&D, manufacturing, and business teams
• A culture that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Work is conducted in laboratory and pilot plant environments
• Hands-on operation of fermentation systems and handling of biological materials is required
• May require flexible scheduling to support fermentation runs, sampling, and troubleshooting
• Collaboration across teams and functions is a key part of the role

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Range: $75,000-$105,000 (Compensation will be aligned with experience, qualifications, and market benchmarks.)
Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information
Application deadline: August 28, 2026
Our purpose guides the way
In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
Opportunities for everyone
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
Explore other openings
If this position isn't the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You're welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career