Senior Fermentation Scientist / Process Development Engineer

Hoofprint Biome is a venture-backed start-up that is leveraging biotechnology to avert the climate crisis. We are engineering enzymes and probiotics to eliminate methane emissions from cattle. We believe that cattle are a key pillar of sustainable agriculture and human nutrition, and eliminating their methane emissions will enable transformative progress in the fight against climate change.

We’re looking for a fermentation scientist who is passionate about animal, human, and planetary health. You must be motivated, comfortable with a fast-paced work environment, team oriented, and committed to building exceptional products. Your role will be to design and execute processes for yeast fermentation and protein production. You will play a critical role in developing products for more sustainable animal agriculture and a healthier planet.

New and vibrant lab space

Based in vibrant downtown Durham, North Carolina, the company is working out of a brand-new lab space at the center of a fast-growing biotech and startup ecosystem. This role offers the chance to pursue ambitious science in a modern lab while enjoying a fun team, dynamic culture, and comfortable living in the heart of North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development for high yield protein and enzyme production, highly hands-on

• Characterize yeast fermentation performance across well plates, shake flasks, benchtop fermenters, and pilot scale fermenters

• Optimize fermentation media and processes to maximize protein titer, including feed composition, feed profiles, mixing and gas management, and pH control.

• Own setup, maintenance, and operation of bench and pilot bioreactors and associated sensors/instrumentation

• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards throughout all stages of the fermentation process, maintaining detailed documentation and records for quality control and regulatory purposes

• Work with scientists and technicians to track and improve protein quality and activity, support pilot scale downstream processing such as centrifugation and dewatering filtrations

• Facilitate technology transfer to CMOs

Who you are/what you bring: 

• B.S. or M.S. with 6+ years of hands-on fermentation and process development experience or 4+ years of relevant experience with a PhD in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, bioengineering, microbiology, or a relevant field

• Experience in microbial fermentation processes from lab to industrial scale, ideally within the agricultural, food, or pharmaceutical industries

• Deep knowledge of fermentation principles, processes, and equipment

• Comfortable with basic controls and instrumentation necessary for bioreactor maintenance and operation

• Practical knowledge of microbial physiology, with a track record of developing new processes

• A creative, roll up your sleeves, problem solver

• Experience with rapid prototyping, fabrication, and 3D printing is a major plus

• Willingness to learn and contribute to molecular analysis of proteins is a plus

• Comfortable working independently and with a team

• Curiosity, intention, tenacity, team mindset, and accountability to the mission

• Must love cows

We offer competitive salary and equity options, and benefits include health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 401(K) plan. We value diversity in thought from people with all types of experiences, ethnicities, talents, ages, and ideas, and we encourage candidates from minority and disadvantaged groups to apply.