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Senior Fermentation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Fermentation Engineer

Osage, IA

As a Sr. Fermentation Engineer, you'll optimize industrial-scale fermentation processes, improve product yields, and lead initiatives that directly impact quality, efficiency, and innovation across ...

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

SR FLAVOR SCIENTIST

Chico, CA · On-site

$105K - $162K/yr

Get to Know This Role The Sr Flavor Scientist is an individual contributor who leads beverage ... Fermentation Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related field) required * 7 years of product ...

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How much do senior fermentation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior fermentation scientist in the United States is $110,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Fermentation Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Fermentation Scientist, you need a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, and fermentation process development, typically supported by a relevant advanced degree (e.g., MSc or PhD). Experience with bioreactor systems, analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC or GC), and familiarity with industry-standard software and regulatory practices are important. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help in managing projects, guiding teams, and collaborating across departments. These skills are crucial for optimizing fermentation processes, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in competitive industrial and research environments.

What is the difference between Senior Fermentation Scientist vs Fermentation Technician?

AspectSenior Fermentation Scientist
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field; extensive experience in fermentation research
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, biotech companies
ResponsibilitiesDesigning experiments, analyzing data, developing fermentation processes, overseeing projects
FocusInnovation, process optimization, scientific research

The Senior Fermentation Scientist typically holds advanced degrees and leads research projects, focusing on process development and innovation. In contrast, a Fermentation Technician performs routine fermentation operations, monitoring processes, and maintaining equipment. The roles differ mainly in scope, expertise, and responsibilities, with the Senior Fermentation Scientist playing a strategic research role and the technician executing day-to-day tasks.

What does a fermentation scientist do?

A fermentation scientist researches and develops processes to produce products through microbial fermentation, such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and food ingredients. They design experiments, optimize fermentation conditions, and analyze data using laboratory equipment and bioreactors to improve yield and efficiency.

What opportunities for cross-functional collaboration can a Senior Fermentation Scientist expect in their daily work?

As a Senior Fermentation Scientist, you will frequently collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including microbiologists, process engineers, quality assurance specialists, and product development teams. This collaboration is crucial for scaling up fermentation processes, troubleshooting production challenges, and ensuring product consistency. You may also work closely with R&D and manufacturing departments to transfer lab-scale findings to pilot or full-scale operations, providing technical expertise and guidance throughout the process. Such teamwork not only enhances project outcomes but also offers valuable opportunities for professional growth and learning from diverse experts within the organization.

What does a Senior Fermentation Scientist do?

A Senior Fermentation Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing fermentation processes used in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food production. They lead research projects, supervise junior staff, and analyze experimental data to improve yield, efficiency, and quality of fermented products. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale up laboratory processes to industrial production. Their expertise is crucial in troubleshooting issues and implementing new technologies in fermentation.

How much does a fermentation scientist make?

A fermentation scientist typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in bioprocessing or molecular biology may have higher salaries. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and bonuses.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

In food engineering, senior roles such as Senior Fermentation Scientist or Food Process Development Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures with experience and advanced degrees. These positions typically require expertise in fermentation processes, laboratory skills, and sometimes management or regulatory knowledge.

What is the career path for a senior scientist?

A senior fermentation scientist typically advances to roles such as lead scientist, research manager, or director of fermentation or bioprocessing. Career progression often involves gaining expertise in fermentation techniques, project management, and leadership skills, with opportunities to oversee larger teams or develop new biotechnologies.
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Senior Fermentation Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Fermentation Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,545 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Sr. Fermentation Engineer

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America

Osage, IA • On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

*Sumitomo Biorational formally known as Valent BioSciences*


Sr. Fermentation Engineer

About Us:

Sumitomo Biorational is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Sumitomo Biorational operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

The Sumitomo Biorational manufacturing site located on an expansive 73-acre site in Osage, IA is a state of the art 130,000 square foot plant and is the largest purpose-built biorational facility in the world. It serves as the manufacturing and quality control center for Sumitomo Biorational's broad portfolio of fermentation products.


Description of Job:

As a Sr. Fermentation Engineer at Sumitomo Biorational you will assist production in meeting all safety, quality, delivery and cost goals set by management. You will have knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, theory and practice with special focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting or a strong interest in acquiring such skills. As Sr. Fermentation Engineer, you will also act as mentor and leader to Production Specialists and Interns.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure compliance with company safety and environmental policies and training programs.
  • Monitor and analyze fermentation batch yield, quality, and production data to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
  • Develop and maintain production documentation including batch records, work instructions, and SOPs.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Collaborate with production teams to optimize fermentation, recovery, and formulation processes.
  • Support cost management activities including bill of materials and cost standard reviews.
  • Train and advise plant operators, production specialists, and supervisors on processes and best practices.
  • Participate in capital projects, technology implementation, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Contribute to new product development, process validation, and experimentation to improve process performance and product yield.
  • Develop and apply statistical models and data analysis to optimize manufacturing processes.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biology, or other related fields is required, M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
  • Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with industrial scale microbial fermentation processes is required
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to work independently and as a part of an interdisciplinary, diverse team
  • Good working knowledge of chemical and biochemical process unit operations is a plus
  • Excellent computer skills are desired
  • Working knowledge and understanding of process control and automation is a plus
  • Industrial scale hands-on plant experience with process optimization and Six Sigma experience is a plus
  • Must have flexibility to work some limited off-shift and weekend hours in order to support all production shifts when needed


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: $100,500 to $115,500. 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 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

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