Scientist I, Fermentation

FutureBio is a biotech startup dedicated to developing and deploying innovative solutions to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainability. We focus on biomanufacturing commodity chemicals in microbial platforms from renewable biomass or waste feedstock, featuring environment-friendly and easily recyclable or biodegradable products including plastics, flavors and fragrances, etc. By leveraging advanced technologies such as strain engineering, metabolic engineering, protein design and fermentation, we aim to create more scalable and impactful solutions for environmental challenges and drive the meaningful transition to a low-carbon and circular economy.

FutureBio is hiring a creative Fermentation Scientist, Scientist I, who is eager to contribute to the better future for the global environment and sustainability. The scientist, with in-depth expertise in metabolic engineering, genetic engineering and molecular biology, will work closely with our CEO, CTO and passionate scientist groups to develop and optimize the microbial strain manufacturing platform to facilitate the commercialization of our innovative target products. This job offers an exciting opportunity to advance your career in fermentation and experience multidisciplinary collaborations in fields of materials science, process development and environment sustainability, as well as shaping a better path and culture of FutureBio, as an early-stage startup.

• Design, execute, and optimize fermentation processes for microbial hosts to achieve target product yield, titer, and productivity.

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot bioreactors at various scales, including shake flasks, benchtop systems (2 L). (Pilot-scale experience is a plus.)

• Develop and refine fermentation strategies, including feeding and induction protocols, to enhance product formation and enzyme expression.

• Collaborate closely with strain engineering and analytical teams to integrate newly developed strains into fermentation workflows.

• Analyze fermentation performance data, including growth kinetics, yield, productivity, and other key metrics.

• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, and communicate results and plans in routine meetings and cross-functional discussions.

• Develop new process approaches informed by scientific literature, internal data, and process modeling tools.

• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment with fellow scientists, engineers, and research associates.

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related field — or equivalent industry experience.

• Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation processes, ideally involving industrially relevant microorganisms.

• Proven ability to operate and optimize bioreactors at 2 L scale or larger. (Experience with Eppendorf Dasgip systems is a plus.)

• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, or similar methods is a plus.

• Strong ability to work independently, with excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data and ideas clearly.

• Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

• Experience with programming or modeling tools (e.g., VBA, C++, or similar) is a plus.

• Stock options

• Comprehensive insurance coverage (health, dental, vision)

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)

Salary range: $90,000 – $110,000