C1 Fermentation Scientist
Role Summary
The C1 Fermentation Scientist (Methylotroph / Methanol Kinetics) drives biological performance and feeding strategy optimization. You will design, implement, and manage methanol-limited fed-batch and continuous bioprocessing strategies for methylotrophic strains. Your core focus is building tight feedback loops to keep residual methanol at safe, sub-toxic levels during high-density fermentation (HCDC).
Key Responsibilities
· Fed-Batch & Continuous Fermentation Strategy: Design and execute methanol-limited fed-batch and continuous fermentation strategies to prevent substrate inhibition and cellular toxicity.
· Feedback Loop Control: Build and optimize real-time feedback loops utilizing online dissolved oxygen (DO) spikes, carbon dioxide evolution rates (CER), or mid-infrared (MIR) sensors.
· Growth Kinetics: Characterize specific growth rates, substrate yield coefficients, and metabolic thresholds of wild and engineered methylotrophs.
· Media Optimization: Formulate customized, cost-effective nutrient matrices to support robust growth under strict methanol limitation.
· Analytical Assay Integration: Utilize online and offline analytics (GC, HPLC) to track residual methanol, off gases, biomass accumulation, and target metabolites.
· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the bioprocess engineering team to transition kinetic models into scalable airlift bioreactor recipes.
Qualifications & Skills
· Education: Ph.D. or Master’s in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Chemical/Bioprocess Engineering.
· Technical Experience: Strong hands-on background working with methylotrophic bacteria or yeast (e.g., Pichiapastoris, Methylobacterium).
· Sensor& Process Analytics: Direct experience setting up PAT (Process Analytical Technology) tools, automated feed pumps, and sensor-driven feedback loops.
· Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of methanol metabolism, toxicity kinetics, and microbial physiology.
· Traits: Highly precise researcher with strong data-logging habits and a passion for industrial-scale synthetic biology.