Nature’s Fynd is a Chicago-based food company creating versatile alternative proteins to nourish the world’s growing population while nurturing the planet. Born out of research conducted for NASA on microbes in Yellowstone National Park, the company’s breakthrough technology produces Fy™. Fy is a new-to-the-world, nutritional fungi protein that only uses a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. We use Fy to make delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat and dairy alternatives.
As a Senior Fermentation Scientist, you will be the technical cornerstone of our bioprocess development team. This role is designed for a data-driven expert who thrives at the intersection of metabolic physiology and industrial scale-up. You will lead the design, optimization, and execution of fermentation processes with a specific focus on fungal systems and media formulation.
The ideal candidate is a "hands-on" leader who can translate complex biological data into robust, scalable processes and serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) during technology transfers to pilot and commercial scales.
Why Join Us?
You will have the opportunity to define the process architecture for a next-generation bio-product. We value technical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality.
Key Responsibilities
1. Process & Media Design
Design and optimize high-productivity fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, and continuous) tailored to fungal strains.Develop specialized media formulations using a deep understanding of fungal physiology, nutrient requirements, and metabolic flux.Characterize the impact of physical parameters (e.g., kLa, shear stress, dissolved oxygen) on fungal morphology and product titer.2. Experimental Strategy & DOE
Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical software (e.g., JMP, Design-Expert) to accelerate process optimization and define design spaces.Execute hands-on bench-top and pilot-scale fermentation runs, including bioreactor setup, sampling, and analytical troubleshooting.Implement data-driven decision-making by integrating bioreactor data with metabolic profiling and proteomic/transcriptomic datasets.3. Tech Transfer & Scale-Up (SME)
Act as the primary SME for technology transfer, moving processes from R&D to Pilot/CMO facilities.Author comprehensive Tech Transfer Protocols, Batch Records, and SOPs.Provide on-site support and troubleshooting during scale-up campaigns to ensure successful process implementation.4. Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate closely with Strain Engineering to provide feedback on strain performance and metabolic bottlenecks.Work with Downstream Processing (DSP) teams to ensure upstream parameters optimize recovery and purification efficiency.Communicate technical findings clearly to both scientific peers and executive leadership.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or a related field (with 3-5+ years of industry experience preferred). OR Master’s Degree (MS) with 10+ years of direct industrial experience in fermentation.Fungal Expertise: Proven track record working with fungal strains (e.g., Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Pichia, or Yarrowia). Deep understanding of fungal morphology and its impact on broth rheology.Hands-on Mastery: Extensive experience operating stirred-tank bioreactors (STRs) at the 1L to 1000L scale.Statistical Proficiency: Advanced skills in DOE methodology and statistical data analysis.Preferred Skills:
Experience with Continuous Fermentation at pilot and/or commercial scaleKnowledge of Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to guide media cost optimization.Benefits
Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)Generous Parental leave policyEngaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow FyndersCommitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
The Fynder Group views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and valuesEEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law
