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Fermentation Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $122K/yr

Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality (enzymes, preservatives, fermentation systems).Support ... Bachelor?s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.Experience with ...

Grupo Bimbo

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality (enzymes, preservatives, fermentation systems ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field. * Experience with ...

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality (enzymes, preservatives, fermentation systems ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field. * Experience with ...

All JobsFermentation Science JobsFermentation Science Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fermentation Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$85.1K

$124.1K

How much do fermentation science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation science in Chicago, IL is $85,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $97,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Fermentation Science?

A typical day in Fermentation Science often involves monitoring ongoing fermentations, running laboratory analyses, troubleshooting process issues, and maintaining detailed records of experiments or production batches. Professionals frequently collaborate with quality assurance teams, production staff, and sometimes research and development departments to optimize products or processes. It's common to split time between hands-on laboratory or production floor work and desk-based tasks like data analysis and reporting. The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability to shifting priorities and production demands, making strong communication and organizational skills crucial for success.

How to become a fermentation scientist?

To become a fermentation scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Gaining experience with fermentation techniques, laboratory skills, and knowledge of microbial cultures and bioprocessing is essential, along with familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fermentation Science position, and why are they important?

A successful career in Fermentation Science typically requires a solid background in biology, chemistry, and microbiology, usually with a relevant degree such as fermentation science, food science, or microbiology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, fermentation monitoring software, and adherence to safety protocols and quality standards is highly valued, and certifications like HACCP can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills are essential soft skills in this field. These skills enable professionals to efficiently manage complex fermentation processes, ensure product quality, and contribute to innovation in food, beverage, or bio-industrial settings.

What is a Fermentation Science job?

A Fermentation Science job involves studying, optimizing, and applying microbial processes to produce food, beverages, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. Professionals in this field work in industries like brewing, dairy, biotechnology, and medicine, focusing on fermentation techniques, quality control, and product development. They may also conduct research to improve fermentation efficiency and sustainability. Jobs can range from laboratory research and production management to regulatory roles ensuring safety and compliance.

How much do fermentation scientists make?

Fermentation scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in microbiology or bioprocessing can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually.

What does a fermentation scientist do?

A fermentation scientist researches and develops processes to produce products like alcohol, biofuels, and probiotics using microbial fermentation. They design experiments, analyze data, and optimize fermentation conditions, often working with laboratory equipment and microbiological techniques. Their work supports industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

What can you do with a fermentation science degree?

A fermentation science degree prepares individuals for careers in brewing, winemaking, distilling, and food fermentation industries. Graduates can work as brewers, quality control specialists, product development scientists, or fermentation technicians, often utilizing laboratory skills and knowledge of microbiology and chemistry. The degree provides a foundation for roles in production, research, and quality assurance within fermentation-based businesses.
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Fermentation Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,149 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Senior Fermentation Scientist - Sumitomo Biorational Company

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$124K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Sumitomo Biorational Company:
Headquartered in Libertyville, Ill., Sumitomo Biorational Company is the Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, advancing integrated, science-driven solutions in agriculture, public health, forest health, and environmental markets. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide.

Description of Job: Lead internal upstream process development efforts at the Sumitomo Biorational Company Biorational Research Center by conducting fermentation experiments in laboratory- and pilot-scale bioreactors. Evaluate the performance of microbial strain candidates by analysis and interpretation of fermentation data. Work with a team of fermentation scientists, downstream process engineers, formulations scientists, microbial engineers and analytical chemists to develop sustainable biorational solutions within the expanding field of BioAgriculture.

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement upstream processes to optimize strain performance of bacterial and fungal microorganisms to produce microbial products, metabolites and proteins
  • Mentor junior team members by training safe and proper use of fermentation and analytical equipment required to execute process development and improvement experiments
  • Provide guidance to research associates and support their professional development
  • Take primary responsibility for the operation and troubleshooting of pilot scale fermentation equipment
  • Design scale up and scale down experiments to execute seamless technology transfer between Research and Manufacturing operations
  • Build strong relationships with supporting research departments and deliver fermentations on time or ahead of schedule to biology, downstream processing, formulations, and product development teams
  • Travel to manufacturing site to launch new fermentation processes and troubleshoot current commercial processes
  • Maintain and further develop collaborative relationship with the pilot and production fermentation team at the manufacturing site
  • Execute sophisticated process development experiments utilizing statistical tools to ensure process robustness
  • Work alongside data scientists, IT, and engineering to build and maintain a digital system to organize and archive run data and electronic batch records
  • Maintain and update laboratory data and documents including electronic lab notebook and SOPs
  • Conduct all work in strict compliance with all applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standards operating procedures and/or guidelines while maintaining a clean and orderly workspace
  • Work both independently and with interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment

Required skills/experience:

  • Expertise in culturing microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, to increase metabolite productivity using aseptic techniques Hands-on experience using lab-scale or pilot-scale SIP bioreactor systems for microbial cultivations and metabolite production, particularly with non-model bacterial and fungal organisms
  • Experience training junior scientists in the use of fermentation equipment and execution of process development experiments
  • High degree of competency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite and statistical analysis software
  • Strong communication, presentation, and listening skills in cross-functional teams
  • Willingness to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.
  • Able to lift up to 25 lbs

Education: Degree in Fermentation Science, Chemical/Biochemical/Biosystems Engineering, or closely related field with industrial fermentation experience (5 years with PhD, 8 years with MS, 12+ years with BS).

Travel: Limited travel will be required. (<5%)

What We Offer

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from:

$124,000 to $145,000. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits:

  • High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
  • 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
  • Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
  • Financial assistance programs to support your goals
  • Life and disability insurance for added security
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Sumitomo Biorational Company, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

  • Sumitomo Biorational Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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