Upstream Bioprocess Scientist – Microbial Fermentation
CV-LibraryIrelandpermanentPosted: 7 April 2026
Apply NowWe are supporting a high-growth, innovation-led organisation operating within biologics development. This role sits within a well-established Technical Operations team, focused on delivering upstream bioprocess solutions to a broad range of pharmaceutical and biotech clients.
The Role
This is a hands-on position focused on the development, optimisation, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes. You will work across multiple bioreactor scales, contributing to process design, data-driven optimisation, and technology transfer activities within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Key responsibilities include:
* Developing and optimising microbial fermentation processes (bacterial, yeast, fungal systems)
* Designing and executing experiments across mini, bench, and pilot-scale bioreactors
* Driving media development, parameter optimisation, and yield improvement
* Establishing scale-down models and supporting scale-up activities
* Contributing to technology transfer into manufacturing environments
* Applying DoE, statistical modelling, and data analysis to improve process performance
* Integrating upstream processes with downstream and broader process workflows
* Providing technical input across projects and supporting junior team members
* Collaborating with analytical, downstream, and manufacturing teams
Requirements
* MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related field
* Extensive experience in microbial fermentation / industrial microbiology.
* Strong hands-on experience with bioreactors
* Experience with batch, fed-batch, and/or continuous fermentation processes
* Proven experience in media optimisation, scale-up, and process troubleshooting
* Familiarity with DoE, statistical analysis, and data-driven process development
* Experience with process control systems, automation, or data integration tools
* Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
The Role
This is a hands-on position focused on the development, optimisation, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes. You will work across multiple bioreactor scales, contributing to process design, data-driven optimisation, and technology transfer activities within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Key responsibilities include:
* Developing and optimising microbial fermentation processes (bacterial, yeast, fungal systems)
* Designing and executing experiments across mini, bench, and pilot-scale bioreactors
* Driving media development, parameter optimisation, and yield improvement
* Establishing scale-down models and supporting scale-up activities
* Contributing to technology transfer into manufacturing environments
* Applying DoE, statistical modelling, and data analysis to improve process performance
* Integrating upstream processes with downstream and broader process workflows
* Providing technical input across projects and supporting junior team members
* Collaborating with analytical, downstream, and manufacturing teams
Requirements
* MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related field
* Extensive experience in microbial fermentation / industrial microbiology.
* Strong hands-on experience with bioreactors
* Experience with batch, fed-batch, and/or continuous fermentation processes
* Proven experience in media optimisation, scale-up, and process troubleshooting
* Familiarity with DoE, statistical analysis, and data-driven process development
* Experience with process control systems, automation, or data integration tools
* Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally