Fermentation Engineer 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 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 supports the development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes for industrial biotechnology applications. This role involves executing lab- and pilot-scale fermentations, analyzing data, and collaborating cross-functionally to improve yield, productivity, and process robustness.

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

Fermentation Operations

• Contribute with development of experimental plans
• Set up, operate, and monitor lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors (e.g., 1–4000 L scale)
• Prepare media, inoculum, and sterile systems using aseptic techniques
• Execute fermentation runs following SOPs and experimental plans
• Troubleshoot basic process deviations (e.g., contamination, pH drift, DO issues)

Process Development & Optimization

• Assist in developing fermentation strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous)
• Perform optimization studies (media composition, feeding strategies, temperature, pH)
• Support scale-up activities from bench to pilot scale
• Collect and analyze process data to improve performance metrics (yield, titer, productivity)

Analytical & Data Analysis

• Perform routine sampling and analyze fermentation parameters (OD, cell density, metabolites)
• Maintain accurate experimental records (ELN or lab notebooks)
• Use data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Python, or similar) to interpret results
• Prepare summaries, reports, and presentations of experimental findings

Equipment & Lab Maintenance

• Maintain and calibrate fermentation and analytical equipment
• Ensure proper cleaning, sterilization (CIP/SIP), and maintenance of bioreactors
• Assist with installation and qualification of new equipment

Documentation & Compliance

• Follow safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP where applicable)
• Maintain SOPs and batch records
• Support audits and documentation requirements

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work with molecular biology, downstream processing, and analytics teams
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing teams
• Communicate results effectively to internal stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field OR
• MS with 8+ years or BS with 13+ years relevant experience
• Required Technical Expertise
• Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development
• Expertise in microbial physiology
• Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges

Preferred Experience

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