Fermentation Scientist
Medcruit
- Nairobi
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Fermentation process development:
- Design, develop, and optimize fungal fermentation processes, including media formulation, fermentation conditions (temperature, pH, DO), and bioreactor operations to achieve desired product yields and quality.
- Review current processes and data and provide feedback on areas for improvements.
- Optimize fungal fermentation feedstock and media composition to improve productivity, biomass growth, and product yield.
- Compile the growth conditions for the selected fungi microbes and identify any risks or safety concerns for these microbes.
- Improve our product yield and quality through continuous monitoring and analysis of our fermentation processes.
- Design and implement quality control measures to meet regulatory and industry standards.
- Develop workflows for lab operations and work closely with our research and manufacturing partners and consultants.
- Develop our tech transfer and pilot-scale protocols and review data to ensure that the operations team implements the process according to the protocol.
- Scale up our fermentation process by analyzing data, documenting results, developing SOPs and drafting tech-transfer documents.
- Perform and oversee analytical testing of fermentation samples to assess protein concentration, quality, purity, and functionality.
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to make sure that the fermentation process is aligned with our goals and objectives.
- Conduct additional literature reviews as relevant to identify the most promising fungi for protein production.
- Provide technical support for new product development.
- Communicate and share scientific findings with the other team members.
- PhD in Microbiology, Bioprocess/Chemical Engineering a focus in fungal biology, molecular biology, bioengineering or a related field, or a masters with commensurate experience in industry.
- Work experience in industry in fungal fermentation technology, bioengineering, or protein production is required.
- Strong technical knowledge in microbial/fungal metabolism and fermentation development.
- Knowledge of safety and environment regulations for fungal proteins.
- Strong analytic, research and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Passion for building high-impact, scalable organizations in East Africa.
- Comfort in making fast-paced strategic pivots and navigating teams through uncertainty and ambiguity.