Fermentation Production Microbiologist

Fermentation Production Microbiologist

FermaBlend Technologies

Solon, Ohio | Full-time | Operations Department

FermaBlend Technologies is seeking a full-time Fermentation Production Microbiologist to join our Operations team in Solon, Ohio.

This is a hands-on role supporting fermentation production, scale-up, downstream processing, quality activities, inventory, documentation, troubleshooting, and other operational needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong microbiology or related scientific background, prior laboratory experience, strong aseptic technique, and the willingness to work directly in a production environment.

This position requires flexibility to work off-hours, weekends, or adjusted schedules as needed based on fermentation and production requirements.

Position Summary

The Fermentation Production Microbiologist will support fermentation operations from scale-up through downstream processing. This role will work closely with Operations leadership and production personnel to help ensure fermentation batches are prepared, monitored, sampled, documented, and completed according to approved procedures.

The successful candidate will also support laboratory-scale experimentation, process optimization, QC activities, root cause analysis, customer complaint investigations, and continuous improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out fermentation production activities from scale-up through downstream processing.

• Prepare, monitor, sample, and support fermentation batches according to approved procedures.

• Plan and carry out laboratory-scale experiments to optimize fermentation yields and develop strains for production.

• Apply aseptic technique during fermentation, sampling, transfers, and related activities.

• Maintain accurate batch records, laboratory notebooks, production records, and supporting documentation.

• Collect, analyze, summarize, and present fermentation data.

• Assist with QC activities, inventory support, raw material handling, cleaning, and production readiness.

• Cross-train in other areas of Operations and support team needs outside primary responsibilities.

• Participate in root cause analysis for failed batches, deviations, nonconformances, contamination events, and process issues.

• Support customer complaint investigations related to product quality, performance, or production concerns.

• Identify and communicate process observations, risks, and improvement opportunities.

• Follow company SOPs, quality systems, safety procedures, and PPE requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in microbiology, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, fermentation science, food science, chemical engineering, or another related scientific field.

• Minimum of 1–2 years of laboratory experience.

• Working knowledge of microbiology, fermentation, aseptic technique, and contamination control.

• Experience completing batch records, laboratory notebooks, production records, or similar technical documentation.

• Ability to collect, analyze, summarize, and present technical data.

• Willingness to perform hands-on production work in a production-based environment.

• Flexibility to work off-hours, weekends, or adjusted schedules as needed.

• Commitment to working safely and following established procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in fermentation, microbiology, biotechnology, food science, or related operations.

• Experience in an operations or production department.

• Familiarity with fermentation scale-up, downstream processing, batch production, and process monitoring.

• Experience supporting root cause analysis, failed batch investigations, deviations, nonconformances, or customer complaint investigations.

• Prior work in a regulated, quality-focused, GMP-adjacent, food, biotech, or production-based environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits.

• Practical understanding of microbial growth and fermentation processes.

• Sound aseptic technique and laboratory handling skills.

• Troubleshooting ability and sound technical judgment.

• Clear communication skills with the ability to present technical information.

• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to cross-train and help where needed.

• Dependability, flexibility, and responsiveness to production demands.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Work in both laboratory and production environments.

• Wear required PPE and follow safety requirements.

• Perform tasks around fermentation equipment, production equipment, chemicals, raw materials, and biological materials.

• Stand, walk, lift, move materials, and complete hands-on production tasks as required.

• Adjust work hours when fermentation schedules or production needs require it.

• May require occasional work outside standard business hours depending on production or testing needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• FermaBlend Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.