BIOWEG is seeking a Scientist to join our R&D team. In this role, you will improve the economics and robustness of our bacterial fermentation processes while leading proof-of-concept studies that expand our product portfolio. You will own experiments end to end, from experimental design and execution to data analysis, working hands-on with bacterial systems and translating your findings into practical process improvements.
If you are passionate about applying biotechnology to develop sustainable materials and enjoy working in a dynamic startup, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the next generation of bio-based solutions.
R&D Scientist - Strain Engineering & Microbial Fermentation (All Genders)
Osnabrück Area
Full-time
Permanent employee
Overview
Your Role
- Plan and execute fermentation R&D campaigns focused on cost reduction and performance improvement (DoE / data-driven iterations)
- Optimize strains, media, and process parameters while tracking key fermentation variables and defining clear success metrics
- Design, run, and troubleshoot lab and pilot-scale fermentations (setup, monitoring, sampling and post-run analysis)
- Analyze fermentation samples (e.g., metabolite/product profiling, process monitoring; HPLC implementation, execution and interpretation)
- Improve experimental throughput and handover (parallelization, standardized workflows, faster R&D-to-production transitions)
- Support scale-up and tech transfer by translating findings into repeatable protocols and practical recommendations
- Maintain strong documentation and quality practices (experimental plans, protocols, batch records, validation-style reporting)
- Champion aseptic technique and lab safety and contribute to improving SOPs
Your Profile
- MSc or PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Fermentation Technology, Food Technology, or related
- MSc with at least 4 years or PhD with at least 1 year hands-on applied/industrial fermentation experience (lab-scale; pilot exposure is a plus)
- Proven ability to optimize and troubleshoot fermentation processes (not just run them)
- Strong data analysis and scientific communication to turn unexpected runs into decisions
- Analytical experience (HPLC): implementing and running methods, interpreting chromatograms, reporting results clearly
- Structured, proactive working style with ownership, prioritization, and delivery mindset
- Comfortable taking end-to-end ownership in a small-team lab and start-up environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Experience with bacterial cellulose or closely related microbial production systems
- Experience with valorization of side streams / process sustainability improvements (turning “waste” into value)
- Familiarity with bioacids and/or microbial preservation systems for food or cosmetics
- Comfort working across disciplines (R&D, scale-up, operations)
- Execute a repeatable experimental pipeline while further improving it(templates, key KPIs, sampling plan, reporting format).
- Deliver at least one cost-reduction / productivity improvement supported by data.
- Produce scale-up ready recommendations(what to change, why, expected impact, and risks).
Über uns
BIOWEG ist ein zielorientiertes Unternehmen, das mithilfe von Biotechnologie und grüner Chemie biobasierte Alternativen zu fossilen Inhaltsstoffen entwickelt.
Wir stellen nachhaltige Produkte her, die fossilen Alternativen gleichwertig oder sogar überlegen sind und gleichzeitig wettbewerbsfähig bleiben. Unsere Hauptprodukte, MicBeads (sensorisches Mikropulver) und RheoWeg (Rheologiemodifikator), werden von führenden Kosmetik- und Chemieunternehmen verwendet.
Unser Ziel ist es, eine bessere Welt zu schaffen und einen nachhaltigen, dauerhaften Einfluss zu erzielen. Werden Sie Teil unseres vielfältigen Teams, um grüne Innovationen in verschiedenen Branchen zu revolutionieren und voranzutreiben.