Senior Fermentation Technology Scientist

Job Title: Senior Fermentation Technology Scientist

Company: Cellugy ApS

Location: On site

Job Type: Full time

Reporting line:  COO

Starting date: As soon as possible

About Us:

Cellugy is a Biotech startup based in Søborg, Denmark, dedicated to develop natural high-performing ingredients to, amongst other, reduce the global impact of petro-based polymers, also known as microplastics. Founded in 2018, Cellugy leverages nature’s wisdom with cutting-edge science to create innovative ingredients impossible to achieve with conventional chemistry or extraction technologies.

Our groundbreaking rheology modifier already leads a strong portfolio targeting the personal care and beauty industry, including top global distributors, well-known beauty brands, and specialty ingredient producers. And this is just the beginning - our unique technology holds the power to transform entire industries for the betterment of humanity and the planet.

At Cellugy, you will be part of a talented team, where diverse perspectives fuel our innovation. Our culture promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion in all its practices, especially when it comes to growing our team, without compromising on excellence in everything we do. Backed by strong investors and recognized by more than 20 leading organizations, we are well-positioned to propel a new era of sustainable material science. This is your chance to be part of something unique and revolutionary!

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Fermentation Technology Scientist to lead the scaling up of novel bacterial cellulose materials up to commercial scale. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in fermentation and/or bioprocessing and a proven track record and experience of scaling bioprocesses to pilot and/or demonstration scale production. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills and be able to manage interactions across experts and company partners, thus excelling in cross-discipline workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Large-Scale Environment Analysis:

Conduct a detailed analysis of the dynamic environment experienced by Cellugy’s microorganisms at large multi m³ scale, including factors such as mixing, mass transfer, and gradients of substrates and process variables.

2. Process Development and Scale-up:

Design, develop, and further optimize bioprocesses to produce bacterial cellulose at commercial scale, achieving optimum desired product yield and quality in collaboration with Cellugy’s partners.

3. Process Validation and Verification:

Validate and verify the scalability of the bioprocess, generating, visualizing, and handling bioprocess relevant data.

4. Collaboration and Communication:

Work closely with cross-functional teams, including research and development, manufacturing, and others to ensure seamless integration of bioprocesses into commercial production.

5. Troubleshooting and Problem-solving:

Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during the scale-up process, strategize and execute scale down test to verify the issue, ensure minimal downtime and optimal production efficiency.

6. Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and maintain accurate records of all bioprocess activities.

Qualifications:

Requirements:

1. Education: Minimum Master's degree in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
2. Experience:‍

• At least 5 years of experience in bioprocess engineering, with a focus on scale-up and down and technology transfer (SOP making, project reporting). Previous experience in production environments is beneficial.
• Able to stay and work in EU or have worked in EU for at least a year.

3. Technical Skills:
   • Strong understanding of bioprocess engineering principles and practices.
   • Experience with fermentation, downstream processing, and bioreactor design.
   • Adept in bioprocess control software and data handling
   • Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
   • Data driven, able to extract data, interpret and summarize potential challenges and benefits.

4. Soft Skills:
   • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
   • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
   • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
   • A self-starting, highly motivated personality who thrives in a dynamic and culturally diverse startup environment.
   • A passion for Cellugy's mission and a commitment to live our core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with bacterial cellulose production or similar lactic acid bacteria (genus Acetobacter, Gluconobacter or Komagataeibacter) or production of polysaccharide through fermentation process at pilot to commercial scale.

What We Offer:

• Performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment in a fast-paced and growing company.
• Strong personal development opportunities for individuals that can make a difference.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications to [email protected] with the subject line "Senior Fermentation Technology Scientist_Your name".

We value transferable skills and a strong fit with our company culture. If you think you can bring value to the role, even if your background doesn't match all criterias, we do encourage you to apply!

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