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Fermentation Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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How much do fermentation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation scientist in California is $100,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,827.00 and $115,549.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fermentation Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fermentation Scientist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Scientist jobs in California?

For Fermentation Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Fermentation Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $100,183 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA • On-site

Oath
Non-Profits • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Oathexternal

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Oath:
Oath is a leading microbial sciences company that utilizes natural soil biology to offer innovative solutions to some of the most critical challenges facing our planet - the climate crisis and the shift to sustainable agriculture. We imagine a world where these crises are not just alleviated, but reversed, replenishing Earth's microbiomes.
Our solution has moved beyond the lab and into real-world deployment, focused on improving farmer livelihoods with teams in Rwanda, Europe, the United States, and expanding. When you join Oath, you become part of a collaborative network that prioritizes high quality scientific work. You will be working alongside trained scientists, talented commercial teams, and a broad network of partners-an ecosystem designed to help you do your best work and grow your capabilities.
Position Summary:
The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing (DSP). This role will have a particular focus on Streptomyces and will help translate laboratory processes into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation processes.
  • Design and execute fermentation experiments from bench scale through scale-up.
  • Develop robust cultivation processes for Streptomyces and other microbial strains.
  • Optimize media, inoculum strategies, growth conditions, productivity, yield, and process consistency.
  • Develop and improve downstream processing (DSP) approaches for microbial biomass and product recovery.
  • Troubleshoot fermentation and DSP performance and identify key drivers of process variability.
  • Support process scale-up and technology transfer to internal manufacturing teams and external CDMOs.
  • Develop process documentation, protocols, batch records, and technical reports.
  • Analyze experimental and manufacturing data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
  • Collaborate closely with microbiology, formulation, manufacturing, quality, and external partners.

Qualifications:
  • PhD with 1-5 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, fermentation science, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation.
  • Experience cultivating Streptomyces or closely related filamentous microorganisms.
  • Experience with downstream processing (DSP) and microbial biomass or product recovery.
  • Experience with fermentation scale-up and technology transfer is a plus.
  • Experience managing R&D vendors, CROs, CDMOs, or other external technical partners is a plus.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time domestically and internationally (Europe & Africa).
  • Familiarity with GoogleSuite, Excel, Slack and similar tools is a plus

Location: Hybrid, Regular laboratory presence at Oath's Vacaville, California site (at least 3 days per week).
Job Type: Full-time, exempt position in the United States. At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000/year + equity
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Stock options

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