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Fermentation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Senior Fermentation Scientist

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Work with a team of fermentation scientists, downstream process engineers, formulations scientists, microbial engineers and analytical chemists to develop sustainable biorational solutions within the ...

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing ...

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing ...

Manus

Fermentation Engineer II

Augusta, GA · On-site

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 ...

Manus Bio

Fermentation Engineer II

Augusta, GA · On-site

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 ...

Manus Bio

Fermentation Engineer II

Augusta, GA

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 ...

Manus Bio

Fermentation Engineer

Augusta, GA

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 ...

Manus

Fermentation Engineer

Augusta, GA · On-site

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 ...

Manus Bio

Fermentation Engineer

Augusta, GA · On-site

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 ...

Archer Daniels Midland

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 ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$90K - $144K/yr

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 ...

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Fermentation Scientist information

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$102.3K

$142.5K

How much do fermentation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 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.

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.

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 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.

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 techniques, laboratory skills, and relevant tools such as bioreactors is important, along with knowledge of microbial cultures and process optimization.

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 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, microbiology knowledge, and fermentation equipment. Certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or laboratory techniques can enhance career prospects.

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, chemistry, and process engineering.
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Fermentation Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $102,308 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Senior Fermentation Scientist

Jobtailor

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

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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