SENIOR FERMENTATION SCIENTIST

We are seeking for a highly motivated Senior Fermentation Scientist to join our groundbreaking project in the field of alternative protein sources. We are a consolidated Spanish company, established 60 years ago, and we will rely on your Food Technology and Bio Process Engineering expertise to efficiently contribute to the successful development of our cutting-edge R&D projects.What you will do:In this role you will set-up, direct, and run a new pilot plant for the production of microbial protein. This plant will make use of different bioreactors for microbial fermentation, a mixing tank, a rotary evaporator, a centrifuge, and a spray dryer.It will be essential to have extensive experience (minimum 3 years) with bioreactors at pilot plant level (50-1000 L) and with spray dryers.You will bring the expertise and train less experienced team members on how to safely operate all the equipment, monitor, and follow up two research projects focused on 1) the production of biomass as feed and 2) the production of an enzyme of interest for feed.You will also be involved in grant writing to secure additional funding for further scale up into an industrial plant, technical projects justifications for funders, technological surveillance and technology transfer. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the business plan (scale up) of a future industrial plant, including the design, installation, contracting, commissioning, and operation.We count on you to work effectively in a collaborative and highly multidisciplinary team environment through excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Additionally, you should be able to work autonomously with strong technical troubleshooting skills.Qualifications & Experience:BSc and/or MSc degree in Food technology / Bioprocess Engineering / Biotechnology / Biology/ Veterinary or equivalent AND significant relevant experience (+3 years) with bioreactors and spray dryers from biotech, pharma, food industry, CMO or academic research institutes.Essential for the role:In-depth knowledge and hands on experience with bioreactors and spray dryers.In-depth knowledge in process engineering applied to fermentation, biomass drying, CIP, etc…Maintenance and operational knowledge.Problem-solving, attention to detail, accurate record keeping of laboratory data and critical thinking skills.Efficient communication skills across multidisciplinary environments, including data presentations for a wide range of scientific collaborators.Fluent in English and Spanish (oral and written)Driving license.DesirablePrevious experience in microbial culture growth (bacteria, yeast, etc) at pilot or industrial level will be highly valued.Experience with microbiology techniques, assays to determine enzymatic activity, HPLC to determine content and type of amino acids, Kjeldahl method to determine protein content.LocationZaragoza, Spain Occasional business travel and/or congress attendance.What we offerCompetitive salary commensurate with experience and an indefinite contract.You will have the opportunity to develop your professional career in stimulating and cutting-edge research projects within a consolidated company.