Saltar e ir al contenido principal

R&D Scientist - Strain Engineering & Microbial Fermentation (All Genders)

Osnabrück Area
Full-time
Permanent employee

Overview

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.

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
Strong plus (preferred) 
  • 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)
How you’ll be successful in the first months (clear outcomes) 
  • Execute 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).

¿Quiénes somos?

BIOWEG es una empresa con una misión clara dedicada al desarrollo de alternativas de origen biológico a los ingredientes derivados de combustibles fósiles mediante el uso de la biotecnología y la química verde. 

Creamos productos sostenibles que igualan o incluso superan a las alternativas derivadas de combustibles fósiles, sin dejar de ser competitivos en cuanto a precio. Nuestros principales productos, MicBeads (micropolvo sensorial) y RheoWeg (modificador reológico), son utilizados por empresas líderes del sector cosmético y químico. 

Nos esforzamos por crear un mundo mejor y lograr un impacto duradero y sostenible. Únete a nuestro equipo diverso y tenaz para revolucionar e impulsar la innovación ecológica en múltiples sectores.