Scientist (Mycoplasma Fermentation)

Job Title: Scientist (Mycoplasma Fermentation Process Development)
Role Summary
*** Global Manufacturing Technology (GMT) is seeking a hands-on, postdoctoral-level scientist to improve the potency and yield of a Mycoplasma fermentation process. The work will emphasize upstream process optimization and include downstream processing, including depth filtration and chromatography. The scientist will design and execute rigorous experiments, interpret process and analytical data, and translate findings into practical process improvements.
The role will partner closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) at a sister biologics site within ***' global manufacturing and supply (Client) network. It is an opportunity for an independent, collaborative researcher to apply strong scientific fundamentals to a meaningful process-development challenge and help advance a robust, scalable animal vaccine antigen manufacturing process.
Responsibilities
Plan and lead upstream studies to improve Mycoplasma fermentation performance, with emphasis on product potency and process yield.
Design and execute bench-scale fermentation experiments; evaluate relevant process variables and use structured experimental approaches to identify key drivers of performance.
Operate and troubleshoot laboratory bioreactors and maintain appropriate aseptic technique and process documentation.
Characterize fermentation outcomes using appropriate growth, process, yield, and potency measurements; analyze results and communicate clear recommendations.
Optimize and assess downstream recovery steps, including depth filtration and chromatography, and understand how upstream conditions affect downstream performance and product quality.
Work with analytical, quality, and manufacturing colleagues to plan studies, interpret results, and support process understanding, scale-up, and manufacturing readiness.
Collaborate closely with SMEs at the sister biologics site; share data and technical learning, align on process-development priorities, and support knowledge transfer across the global network.
Prepare protocols, reports, presentations, and other technical documentation in accordance with applicable laboratory, biosafety, and quality requirements.
Required Qualifications
PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, biological engineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline; Candidates with a master's degree and 5+ years of directly relevant experience may also be considered.
Hands-on research or process-development experience in microbial cultivation, fermentation, or a closely related biological process.
Experience planning and executing experiments, interpreting quantitative data, and communicating conclusions in writing and verbally.
Practical familiarity with aseptic laboratory practices and bioreactor or controlled-culture operations.
Ability to work independently while building productive relationships across scientific, technical, and manufacturing teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent experience leading an independent, experimentally driven project.
Experience with Mycoplasma cultivation or fermentation; experience with bacterial or other microbial fermentation is also valuable.
Experience optimizing upstream process conditions to improve potency, yield, consistency, or robustness.
Hands-on experience or working knowledge of downstream recovery and purification, particularly depth filtration and chromatography.
Familiarity with design of experiments (DoE), process scale-up, technology transfer, and/or GLP or GMP environments.
Experience with fermentation scale-up and an understanding of scale-dependent process considerations.
Strong understanding of bacterial physiology and how growth state and process conditions influence fermentation performance.
Hands-on experience with process-development instrumentation, including bench-scale bioreactors and fermenters.
Work Environment
This is a collaborative laboratory-based role in a dynamic process-development environment. The scientist will balance independent experimental work with frequent technical interaction across sites and functions. Success will require scientific curiosity, sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and a focus on translating experimental learning into actionable process improvements.

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