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.