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Fermentation Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... various fermentation additions, and maintenance of parts and hoses. The Brewer works (5) 8-hour ... Keep accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals. * Periodic handling ...

... management. * Identify and develop opportunities in underpenetrated or emerging Pharma segments, including cell & gene therapies, biologics, mRNA, precision fermentation-based therapeutics, and ...

Technician - Brewing

Elkton, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... and fermentation. * Responsible inputting data and maintaining documents to the assigned area ... Responsible for assisting management with process changes and adjustments to standard operating ...

Technician - Brewing

Elkton, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... and fermentation. * Responsible inputting data and maintaining documents to the assigned area ... Responsible for assisting management with process changes and adjustments to standard operating ...

Technician - Brewing

Elkton, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... and fermentation. * Responsible inputting data and maintaining documents to the assigned area ... Responsible for assisting management with process changes and adjustments to standard operating ...

Fermentation Manager information

What does a fermentation manager do?

A Fermentation Manager oversees the fermentation process in industries such as food, beverage, or biotechnology. They are responsible for monitoring and optimizing fermentation parameters, ensuring product quality, managing staff, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. Additionally, they maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards, manage inventory, and often collaborate with research and development teams to improve processes. The role requires a strong understanding of microbiology and process engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fermentation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fermentation Manager, you need a solid background in microbiology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in industrial fermentation. Familiarity with fermentation control systems, laboratory analysis tools, and quality assurance protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and optimize production processes. These skills are crucial for ensuring consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations in fermentation-based industries.

What are some common challenges a fermentation manager faces when scaling up production, and how are they addressed?

A Fermentation Manager often encounters challenges when scaling up production, such as maintaining consistency in product quality and managing contamination risks. Variations in temperature, pH, and nutrient supply can impact fermentation outcomes at larger volumes. To address these, managers implement rigorous process controls, closely monitor critical parameters, and frequently collaborate with quality assurance and process engineering teams. Regular training and clear communication across departments are also essential to ensure smooth and efficient scale-up operations.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fermentation Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fermentation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Fermentation Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Scientist I - Product & Process Development

Novonesis

Salem, VA • On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Novonesis rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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

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