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Fermentation Engineer II Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today. We are seeking a self-motivated and highly organized individual for a position that will specialize in and lead all laboratory operations at our Boston BioFacility.

We are seeking a Fermentation Engineer II to be a part of our process development team. 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, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes to produce bio-alternatives, applying fundamental microbial physiology and fermentation science knowledge to achieve applied bioprocess objectives. This role bridges R&D and manufacturing, leading fermentation development from lab through pilot and commercial scales while ensuring robust, cost-effective, and scalable operations.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.

Overview

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today.

We are seeking a Fermentation Engineer II or Senior Fermentation Engineer to be a part of our process development team. 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, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes to produce bio-alternatives, applying fundamental microbial physiology and fermentation science knowledge to achieve applied bioprocess objectives. This role bridges R&D and manufacturing, leading fermentation development from lab through pilot and commercial scales while ensuring robust, cost-effective, and scalable operations.

This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus’s process development team located in Augusta, GA.

Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimization

• Design and optimize fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, continuous) for microbial or cell culture systems.
• Develop strategies to improve yield, productivity, titer, and process robustness.
• Conduct media optimization, feeding strategies, and metabolic performance analysis.
• Apply statistical tools (DOE, multivariate analysis) to accelerate process improvement.

Scale-Up & Technology Transfer

• Lead fermentation scale-up activities from laboratory (bench-scale) to pilot and commercial manufacturing (e.g., 1L ? 4,000L ?40,000L).
• Identify and mitigate scale-dependent risks (mixing, oxygen transfer, heat removal, shear sensitivity).
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites or CMOs.
• Develop scale-down models to troubleshoot commercial process deviations.

Process Characterization & Validation

• Define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Support process characterization studies and regulatory submissions (as applicable).
• Develop control strategies for consistent production performance.

Data Analysis & Digital Tools

• Analyze process data using advanced analytics, modeling, and visualization tools.
• Develop predictive models for fermentation performance and scale-up.
• Implement digital tools (PAT, soft sensors, automation strategies) to improve process control.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional project teams involving strain engineering, downstream processing, and manufacturing.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists.
• Collaborate with external partners, equipment vendors, and academic collaborators.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with EHS, GMP (if applicable), and regulatory guidelines.
• Design processes with safety, sustainability, and regulatory considerations in mind.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years in Industrial Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field

Required Technical Expertise

• Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development
• Expertise in microbial physiology
• Experience statistical tools for media design
• Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges

Preferred Experience

• Experience in scale-up of fermentation processes from lab-scale to pilot plant and/or production-scale
• Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC)
• Experience with fermentation modeling