Fermentation Scientist

Fermentation ScientistLocated in Thousand Oaks, California, 20BLOC is a small privately held development-stage biopharmaceutical company, driven by a mission to create breakthrough protein-based drugs to save lives. Our lead product is an innovative solution to provide oxygen to tissues. Check us out at www.20bloc.com.We are looking for a motivated and hands-on Fermentation Scientist to join our team.How you will add value to 20BLOCThe Fermentation Scientist will be a key part of the R&D team, responsible for the setup, operation, and optimization of benchtop-scale (5L) bioreactor fermentations, and to support downstream protein recovery efforts. This role sits at the interface of upstream process development and downstream purification and is ideal for a scientist who enjoys both hands-on lab work and process troubleshooting in a fast-paced biotech environment.This is a full-time, on-site position located in Thousand Oaks, CA.Key Responsibilities: Upstream / FermentationSet up, sterilize, calibrate, and operate 5L bench-top bioreactor systems (e.g., Eppendorf Bioflo120/DASGIP, equivalent) for microbial fermentation runsPrepare fermentation media, feed solutions, and inoculum trains according to established protocolsExecute fed-batch and batch fermentation processes, including induction strategies (e.g., methanol induction for Pichia pastoris, IPTG induction for E. coli)Monitor and control critical process parameters (pH, DO, temperature, agitation, feed rates) and troubleshoot deviations in real timeCollect and analyze in-process samples (OD600, wet cell weight, metabolite/off-gas analysis) to track culture performanceMaintain accurate, detailed fermentation records and contribute to SOP development and revisionSupport scale-up/scale-down studies and technology transfer activitiesDownstream / Protein RecoveryPerform cell harvest via centrifugation and/or filtration (TFF, depth filtration)Support cell lysis, clarification, and initial capture steps for recombinant protein recoveryAssist with chromatography-based purification (affinity, IEX, HIC, SEC) and buffer preparationPerform basic analytical characterization of process intermediates (SDS-PAGE, Bradford/BCA, UV280) to assess yield and purityCollaborate with analytical/QC teams to support in-process and release testingCross-functionalMaintain laboratory equipment, perform routine calibration/maintenance, and manage consumable inventoryContribute to process development reports, tech transfer packages, and internal presentationsWork cross-functionally with strain engineering, analytical, and process development teams to advance programs from bench to pilot scaleAdhere to laboratory safety practices and, where applicable, GLP/GMP documentation standardsRequired Qualifications:B.S. or M.S. in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field, plus 2+ years of relevant hands-on fermentation experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)Direct, hands-on experience operating bench-scale bioreactors (1–15L) for microbial fermentationWorking knowledge of fermentation fundamentals (pH/DO control, feeding strategies, sterile technique, aseptic sampling)Basic understanding of downstream protein recovery unit operations (centrifugation, filtration, chromatography)Strong record-keeping, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot process deviations independentlyEffective written and verbal communication skillsWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for data entry, inventory tracking, and routine recordkeeping.Availability to work non-standard hours as needed based on business and operational demandsPreferred Qualifications:Experience with Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii), E. coli, or other industrial expression hostsFamiliarity with SCADA/process control software (e.g., BioCommand, MFCS, DeltaV) and data historiansExperience with TFF/UF-DF, protein chromatography systems (ÄKTA or equivalent), and related analyticsExposure to a GMP or regulated manufacturing environmentExperience supporting scale-up from bench to pilot or production scaleWillingness and ability to perform duties beyond the scope of this job description as business needs require.Ability to safely lift and move materials up to 50 lbsPlease apply at jobs@20bloc.com – in subject line: Fermentation ScientistThis is a full-time, on-site position located in Thousand Oaks, California, and requires working on-site Monday through Friday. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We are not sponsoring employment visas.Compensation: The salary range for this position is $90,000-110,000. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location.20BLOC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(k) and paid time off.