1

Fermentation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer is responsible for the design, development ...

This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer is responsible for the design, development ...

This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer is responsible for the design, development ...

This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer supports the development, optimization, and ...

This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer supports the development, optimization, and ...

This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer supports the development, optimization, and ...

Fermentation Scientist/Engineer - Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position. Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the ...

Fermentation Scientist/Engineer - Decatur, ILADM Research & DevelopmentThis is an exempt level position.Position Summary:We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the ...

Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, or fermentation science gained through education or hands-on experience. * Comfort working with SAP or similar enterprise systems for production and ...

Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, or fermentation science gained through education or hands-on experience. * Comfort working with SAP or similar enterprise systems for production and ...

Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, or fermentation science gained through education or hands-on experience. * Comfort working with SAP or similar enterprise systems for production and ...

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fermentation Scientist information

See salary details

$71K

$102.3K

$142.5K

How much do fermentation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation scientist in the United States is $102,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, with many roles preferring or requiring a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline. Gaining experience through internships, laboratory work, or research projects is important, along with developing skills in fermentation techniques, laboratory equipment, and data analysis. Certifications in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or specific fermentation technologies can also enhance job prospects.

What is a fermentation scientist?

A Fermentation Scientist specializes in the study and application of microbial fermentation processes to produce food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and bio-based products. They work with microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi to optimize fermentation conditions, improve yields, and ensure product quality. Their role often involves research, process development, troubleshooting, and collaboration with engineers and production teams. Fermentation Scientists are commonly employed in industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and biofuels.

How much do fermentation scientists make?

Fermentation scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and working in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What are the typical career development opportunities for a fermentation scientist?

As a Fermentation Scientist, you can expect to start with hands-on research and process development, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology. Over time, professionals in this role may advance to senior scientist positions, project management, or leadership roles overseeing fermentation operations and strategy. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like strain development, process optimization, or regulatory compliance, expanding your expertise and career options. Continuous learning and taking on cross-functional projects can further accelerate your professional growth in this dynamic field.

What does a fermentation scientist do?

A fermentation scientist researches and develops processes to produce products through microbial fermentation, such as beverages, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. They design experiments, analyze data, and optimize fermentation conditions using tools like bioreactors and lab equipment, often requiring knowledge of microbiology and biochemistry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fermentation scientist?

To thrive as a Fermentation Scientist, you need a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, and analytical techniques, usually supported by a degree in a related scientific field. Experience with fermentation equipment, bioreactors, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and familiarity with relevant safety certifications are crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills and qualities are important for ensuring process efficiency, product quality, and successful cross-functional collaboration in fermentation-based industries.

What can I do with a fermentation scientist degree?

A fermentation scientist degree prepares individuals for roles in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, focusing on the development and optimization of fermentation processes. Graduates can work as fermentation scientists, process engineers, quality control specialists, or research and development professionals, often utilizing laboratory skills, bioreactor operation, and analytical techniques.
More about Fermentation Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Fermentation Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Fermentation Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fermentation Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Fermentation Scientist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Fermentation Scientist jobs? The top employers for Fermentation Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Fermentation Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Fermentation Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fermentation Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,308 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Senior Fermentation Scientist - Sumitomo Biorational Company

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America

Libertyville, IL โ€ข On-site

$124K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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.

#LI-ONSITE

#Sumitomo