Fermentation Scientist
20BLOC
Summary
The Fermentation Scientist will be a key part of the R&D team, responsible for the setup, operation, and optimization of benchtop-scale (5L) bioreactor fermentations, and to support downstream protein recovery efforts. This role sits at the interface of upstream process development and downstream purification and is ideal for a scientist who enjoys both hands-on lab work and process troubleshooting in a fast-paced biotech environment.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
Upstream / Fermentation
- Set up, sterilize, calibrate, and operate 5L bench-top bioreactor systems (e.g., Eppendorf Bioflo120/DASGIP, equivalent) for microbial fermentation runs
- Prepare fermentation media, feed solutions, and inoculum trains according to established protocols
- Execute fed-batch and batch fermentation processes, including induction strategies (e.g., methanol induction for Pichia pastoris, IPTG induction for E. coli)
- Monitor and control critical process parameters (pH, DO, temperature, agitation, feed rates) and troubleshoot deviations in real time
- Collect and analyze in-process samples (OD600, wet cell weight, metabolite/off-gas analysis) to track culture performance
- Maintain accurate, detailed fermentation records and contribute to SOP development and revision
- Support scale-up/scale-down studies and technology transfer activities
Downstream / Protein Recovery
- Perform cell harvest via centrifugation and/or filtration (TFF, depth filtration)
- Support cell lysis, clarification, and initial capture steps for recombinant protein recovery
- Assist with chromatography-based purification (affinity, IEX, HIC, SEC) and buffer preparation
- Perform basic analytical characterization of process intermediates (SDS-PAGE, Bradford/BCA, UV280) to assess yield and purity
- Collaborate with analytical/QC teams to support in-process and release testing
Cross-functional
- Maintain laboratory equipment, perform routine calibration/maintenance, and manage consumable inventory
- Contribute to process development reports, tech transfer packages, and internal presentations
- Work cross-functionally with strain engineering, analytical, and process development teams to advance programs from bench to pilot scale
- Adhere to laboratory safety practices and, where applicable, GLP/GMP documentation standards
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field, plus 2+ years of relevant hands-on fermentation experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Direct, hands-on experience operating bench-scale bioreactors (1–15L) for microbial fermentation
- Working knowledge of fermentation fundamentals (pH/DO control, feeding strategies, sterile technique, aseptic sampling)
- Basic understanding of downstream protein recovery unit operations (centrifugation, filtration, chromatography)
- Strong record-keeping, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot process deviations independently
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for data entry, inventory tracking, and routine recordkeeping
- Availability to work non-standard hours as needed based on business and operational demands
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii), E. coli, or other industrial expression hosts
- Familiarity with SCADA/process control software (e.g., BioCommand, MFCS, DeltaV) and data historians
- Experience with TFF/UF-DF, protein chromatography systems (ÄKTA or equivalent), and related analytics
- Exposure to a GMP or regulated manufacturing environment
- Experience supporting scale-up from bench to pilot or production scale
- Willingness and ability to perform duties beyond the scope of this job description as business needs require
- Ability to safely lift and move materials up to 50 lbs
Requirements
- B.S. or M.S. in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 2+ years of relevant hands-on fermentation experience
- Direct, hands-on experience operating bench-scale bioreactors (1–15L) for microbial fermentation
- Working knowledge of fermentation fundamentals (pH/DO control, feeding strategies, sterile technique, aseptic sampling)
- Basic understanding of downstream protein recovery unit operations (centrifugation, filtration, chromatography)
- Strong record-keeping, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot process deviations independently
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Availability to work non-standard hours as needed
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
20BLOC is a privately held, development-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Thousand Oaks, California, dedicated to creating breakthrough protein-based therapeutics to save lives. The company's name derives from the 20 different amino acids that serve as the fundamental building blocks for life. 20BLOC specializes in innovative protein conjugation technologies and advanced purification methods to develop homogeneous protein derivatives with enhanced stability and performance. Their lead program focuses on developing a safe hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) designed to deliver oxygen to tissues throughout the body. This novel therapeutic solution addresses critical unmet needs in trauma medicine, organ preservation, and oxygen therapy, offering advantages such as universal blood type compatibility, room temperature stability for extended periods, and minimal toxicity. The company operates a state-of-the-art cGMP facility and maintains a small, high-energy team that values fundamentals-driven thinking and hands-on execution across R&D, manufacturing, and clinical development.