United Animal Health
Bioprocess Engineer - Fermentation & Downstream Scale-Up
United Animal Health, Franklin, Wisconsin, United States, 53132
Description
About Us:
Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) is an R&D-driven product development and Bacillus fermentation company. We apply Real Science to a Trusted Process, yielding Proven Success for our partners. At MDG, we recognize the need for sustainable solutions to the world's largest problems, and we work to solve them as part of our mission to Feed, Clean, Save the World. As a member of our team, your ideas and innovations are integral to who we are. Come grow with us!
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Bioprocess Engineer with a strong foundation in fermentation process development and downstream operations, including freeze and spray drying. This role focuses on scaling fermentation and purification processes from bench and pilot scale to commercial manufacturing. The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience with bioreactors, drying equipment, and data-driven optimization, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative production environment. This role requires frequent collaboration with Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, and Engineering teams and will contribute directly to process development, technology transfer, troubleshooting, and facility growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute scalable bioreactor operating and control strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous). Design and implement scale-up processes from bench through pilot (20L-300L) to commercial scale (5K-30K+), applying concepts such as OTR, KLa, impeller design, and mixing, and provide practical examples of their application to achieve successful scale-up. Apply pilot process data to develop operational narratives for tech transfer. Lead experimental design and optimization efforts for downstream technologies including centrifugation (disc-stack), filtration (TFF), freeze drying, and spray drying, and provide examples of experimental design, measurement approach, and outcomes to drive yield and product quality. Lead troubleshooting efforts and provide real-time support for fermentation and downstream production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process innovations that increase yield, reliability, and quality. Draft and revise SOPs in partnership with R&D and Quality teams. Utilize statistical data analysis tools to design experiments and perform analyses to optimize and scale processes effectively. Operate and maintain fermentation and downstream laboratory equipment. Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment and facility expansion. Provide mentorship and leadership within the Process Development team, and engage directly with customers on project updates, process data, and troubleshooting discussions. Additional Responsibilities:
Manage multiple projects with varying timelines and priorities. Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in fermentation, downstream processing, and bioprocess scale-up. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Typical Work Environment:
Primarily laboratory and pilot-scale facility work, with occasional exposure to cold temperatures. Must be willing to perform hands-on lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing floor work, including operating and troubleshooting equipment as needed. Minimum Qualifications:
Education & Training:
B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial bioprocessing. Relevant Experience:
Demonstrated expertise in fermentation scale-up with hands-on experience in experimental design, optimization, and troubleshooting across downstream processing technologies, including centrifugation (disc-stack), filtration (TFF), freeze drying, and spray drying. Experience transferring processes from lab/pilot to manufacturing scale. Strong understanding of scale-up concepts such as OTR, KLa, impeller design, and mixing, with the ability to articulate real-world applications and problem-solving approaches. Comfortable working in cGMP or regulated environments. Technical Skills:
Proficiency in data analysis using tools such as JMP, Minitab, or equivalent. Familiarity with statistical experimental designs and ability to apply analyses to drive data-informed decisions and process improvements. Non-Technical Skills:
Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to cross-functional team. Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and process validation skills. Highly analytical with strong critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Proven ability to lead projects, mentor peers, and drive results within multidisciplinary teams. Licenses/Certifications:
None. Physical Requirements:
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs and use hands for handling equipment and controls. Potential exposure to airborne particles and process chemicals. Safety Requirements:
Use of company-issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Adherence to all company safety protocols and standards.
About Us:
Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) is an R&D-driven product development and Bacillus fermentation company. We apply Real Science to a Trusted Process, yielding Proven Success for our partners. At MDG, we recognize the need for sustainable solutions to the world's largest problems, and we work to solve them as part of our mission to Feed, Clean, Save the World. As a member of our team, your ideas and innovations are integral to who we are. Come grow with us!
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Bioprocess Engineer with a strong foundation in fermentation process development and downstream operations, including freeze and spray drying. This role focuses on scaling fermentation and purification processes from bench and pilot scale to commercial manufacturing. The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience with bioreactors, drying equipment, and data-driven optimization, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative production environment. This role requires frequent collaboration with Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, and Engineering teams and will contribute directly to process development, technology transfer, troubleshooting, and facility growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute scalable bioreactor operating and control strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous). Design and implement scale-up processes from bench through pilot (20L-300L) to commercial scale (5K-30K+), applying concepts such as OTR, KLa, impeller design, and mixing, and provide practical examples of their application to achieve successful scale-up. Apply pilot process data to develop operational narratives for tech transfer. Lead experimental design and optimization efforts for downstream technologies including centrifugation (disc-stack), filtration (TFF), freeze drying, and spray drying, and provide examples of experimental design, measurement approach, and outcomes to drive yield and product quality. Lead troubleshooting efforts and provide real-time support for fermentation and downstream production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process innovations that increase yield, reliability, and quality. Draft and revise SOPs in partnership with R&D and Quality teams. Utilize statistical data analysis tools to design experiments and perform analyses to optimize and scale processes effectively. Operate and maintain fermentation and downstream laboratory equipment. Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment and facility expansion. Provide mentorship and leadership within the Process Development team, and engage directly with customers on project updates, process data, and troubleshooting discussions. Additional Responsibilities:
Manage multiple projects with varying timelines and priorities. Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in fermentation, downstream processing, and bioprocess scale-up. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Typical Work Environment:
Primarily laboratory and pilot-scale facility work, with occasional exposure to cold temperatures. Must be willing to perform hands-on lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing floor work, including operating and troubleshooting equipment as needed. Minimum Qualifications:
Education & Training:
B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial bioprocessing. Relevant Experience:
Demonstrated expertise in fermentation scale-up with hands-on experience in experimental design, optimization, and troubleshooting across downstream processing technologies, including centrifugation (disc-stack), filtration (TFF), freeze drying, and spray drying. Experience transferring processes from lab/pilot to manufacturing scale. Strong understanding of scale-up concepts such as OTR, KLa, impeller design, and mixing, with the ability to articulate real-world applications and problem-solving approaches. Comfortable working in cGMP or regulated environments. Technical Skills:
Proficiency in data analysis using tools such as JMP, Minitab, or equivalent. Familiarity with statistical experimental designs and ability to apply analyses to drive data-informed decisions and process improvements. Non-Technical Skills:
Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to cross-functional team. Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and process validation skills. Highly analytical with strong critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Proven ability to lead projects, mentor peers, and drive results within multidisciplinary teams. Licenses/Certifications:
None. Physical Requirements:
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs and use hands for handling equipment and controls. Potential exposure to airborne particles and process chemicals. Safety Requirements:
Use of company-issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Adherence to all company safety protocols and standards.