Process Engineer (or Research Associate) - Fermentation & DSP
Process Engineer (or Research Associate) (Fermentation & Downstream Processing) – eXoZymes Inc. (Monrovia, CA)
About eXoZymes
eXoZymes Inc. (NASDAQ:EXOZ) is a Monrovia, CA–based biotechnology company developing AI-enhanced enzymes - exozymes - to produce high-value nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients from sustainable feedstocks. Our proprietary cell-free biocatalysis platform enables the conversion of low-cost inputs into bioactive compounds at near-theoretical yields, providing a scalable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods of producing or extracting chemicals.
Backed by public-market capital, private investment, and multi-million-dollar government grants, eXoZymes is expanding its platform, products, and team as we build the next generation of sustainable biomanufacturing technologies.
Position and Scope
We are seeking a motivated, early-career bioprocess professional to join our innovative and collaborative team. This full-time, on-site role is designed for candidates with a strong technical foundation—typically a degree in engineering or life sciences or extensive hands-on industry experience—who are ready to grow into increasing levels of process responsibility.
You will work closely with the Engineering Manager to support, optimize, and troubleshoot lab-scale microbial fermentation and downstream processing (DSP) workflows for enzyme production that powers our cell-free enzymatic platform. This role blends hands-on laboratory execution with early-stage process development, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute microbial fermentation (up to 10 L in-house) for recombinant enzyme production.
- Perform downstream processing operations
- Independently troubleshoot routine fermentation and purification challenges and escalate or review higher-impact changes
- Design and run process development and optimization experiments
- Prepare media, buffers, and reagents; maintain bioreactors, DSP systems, and general lab equipment
- Collect, analyze, and document experimental and production data in electronic lab notebooks, batch records, and internal technical reports
- Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to refine protocols and transfer improved methods into routine workflows
- Follow laboratory safety, quality, and documentation standards for handling microbial cultures, chemicals, and equipment
- Contribute to continuous improvement of SOPs, process documentation, and laboratory best practices
Qualifications
- Education:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related technical field
OR - Equivalent hands-on industry experience (or combination of education and experience) in fermentation, bioprocessing, or protein purification
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related technical field
- Foundational experience with microbial culture, fermentation, and/or downstream processing (academic, co-op, or industry experience acceptable)
- Familiarity with basic analytical and bioprocess techniques (e.g., OD600, SDS-PAGE, enzyme activity assays, pH/DO monitoring)
- Comfort working in a hands-on lab environment and learning new equipment and methods
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work flexible shifts as needed
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with bench-scale bioreactors and/or DSP systems
- Exposure to recombinant protein expression systems (e.g., E. coli, yeast, or other microbial hosts)
- Interest in process development, scale-up principles, and biomanufacturing
- Familiarity with SOP development, batch records, or regulated laboratory environment
Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial mindset. Self-starter who demonstrates initiative and commitment to growth and expanded technical responsibilities.
- Strong problem-solving skills and curiosity about how processes can be improved
- Team-oriented and comfortable collaborating across engineering, R&D, and manufacturing functions
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment
- Demonstrates integrity, humility, and a commitment to technical excellence
Targeted Annual Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000
Our Commitment to Diversity
At eXoZymes, we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, biosolutions, and community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, maintain a welcoming and inclusive work environment and offer reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
Interested candidates, please email cover letter and CV to hiring@exozymes.com.