Fermentation Engineer

Who We Are:

Antheia is a science and technology company developing next generation plant-inspired medicines. Applying synthetic biology, genomics, bioinformatics, data science, and fermentation, we harness the most beneficial molecules from plants to create active pharmaceutical ingredients in more controlled and economical ways. We are a close-knit team inspired by the possibilities of delivering transformative technologies and breakthrough science to change the course of medicine. We value our people as our most important resource and are always looking for talented individuals who can make valuable contributions to our efforts.

As a Fermentation Engineer II/III, the employee will play a central role in developing, optimizing, & scaling microbial fermentation processes to support the development and commercialization of Antheia’s biosynthetic platform. The employee will work closely with strain engineering, fermentation R&D, bioanalytical, downstream processing, and quality/regulatory teams to design, execute, and analyze fermentation experiments in Antheia’s laboratory across various scales (primarily pre-pilot; 20–30L). The employee will also actively participate in technology-transfer and scale-up efforts to CDMOs/manufacturing partners (including providing on-site support as needed).

Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyze microbial fermentation experiments in Antheia’s laboratory primarily at pre-pilot (i.e., 20–30L) scale and potentially at bench (i.e., 0.25–1 L) scale.
• Optimize fermentation conditions (e.g., media composition, pH, temperature, feed strategy, etc.) to improve titer, rate, yield, cost, & process robustness.
• Scale up processes from the laboratory to pilot and manufacturing scales as part of Antheia’s internal scale-up team in partnership with CDMOs/manufacturing partners.
• Support technology-transfer efforts (e.g., authorship of technology-transfer documentation, review and revision of batch manufacturing records, etc.) and provide on-site support for scale-up/manufacturing efforts as needed.
• Compile, analyze, and present experimental results to various internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with strain engineering, fermentation R&D, bioanalytical, downstream processing, and quality/regulatory teams.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, protocols, and reports.
• Leverage bioprocess modeling and statistical analysis to guide development decisions.

• Maintain equipment readiness, accurate instrument calibrations, and compliance with lab safety standards.
• Continuously seek and evaluate avenues for improving performance, efficiency, and experimental precision.
• Perform other duties[1] as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience with design, development, optimization, technology transfer, and scale-up of high-precision microbial (e.g., yeast, bacteria, etc.) fermentation processes.
• Experience operating bench- and/or pilot-scale bioreactor systems in a synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, or biosynthetic production environment.
• Deep knowledge of fed-batch fermentation process development and optimization.
• Deep knowledge of microbial physiology (preferably yeast).
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving, data analysis, and documentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals (e.g., mass balance, heat transfer, etc.) and their application to bioprocess development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to compile, analyze, and clearly present experimental results to stakeholders with varied levels of technical familiarity.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to balance the demands of multiple projects at once.
• Ability to be flexible and work with various teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Proven track record of compliance with safety standards in laboratory environments.
• Experience working with CDMOs/manufacturing partners preferred.
• Bioprocess modeling and statistical analysis capabilities (e.g., Excel, JMP/DoE, Python, etc.) preferred.
• Familiarity with Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) preferred.
• Familiarity with GMP regulatory standards and documentation preferred.

[1] This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

Please note that Antheia does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical history, and other non-merit characteristics.

For full-time employees, Antheia offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Part-time (<30 hours per week) and temporary roles are not eligible for Company sponsored benefits.

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes annual bonus potential and equity opportunities
• Paid time off, in addition to company-observed holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Free access to the Menlo Park Labs Gym
• Menlo Park Labs free shuttle service to CalTrain, BART Station, and SF

Antheia is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Antheia prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire..