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Fermentation Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Senior Fermentation Scientist

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

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). ...

New

Lesaffr

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... science-backed ingredients that support optimal health and wellness. With deep expertise in microbiology and fermentation, the Gnosis team collaborates closely with customers to formulate customized ...

Getinge

Territory Manager, Bioprocessing, Illinois

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum of 3 years sales experience with a demonstrated success selling capital equipment to end users, preferably within Life Science. * Prefer a working knowledge of bioprocess and fermentation ...

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL

$94K - $122K/yr

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Retirement

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

  • Retirement

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

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Fermentation Science information

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$47.4K

$85.1K

$124.1K

How much do fermentation science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 is fermentation science?

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.

What does a fermentation scientist do?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fermentation science?

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.

How do you 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 processes, laboratory skills, and knowledge of microbial cultures and bioreactors is essential, along with familiarity with analytical tools and safety protocols.

How much do fermentation science professionals make?

Fermentation science professionals' salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $50,000 annually. With experience and specialized skills, such as brewing or microbiology expertise, salaries can increase to $70,000 or more. Many roles also offer opportunities for advancement into research, quality control, or management positions.

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. Certification and hands-on experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fermentation Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Fermentation Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Fermentation Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fermentation Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fermentation Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fermentation Science jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fermentation Science job openings:

Fermentation Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,149 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Senior Fermentation Scientist

Jobtailor

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

  • 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.
  • 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.
Requirements
  • 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
  • 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).
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in upstream process development and fermentation science, with a strong focus on optimizing microbial strain performance and mentoring junior scientists. Proficient in utilizing statistical tools for process robustness and maintaining compliance with safety and operational standards.

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