Process Development Scientist – Upstream Fermentation
Full-time
Technical Operations
Cherrywood
Last day to apply: 17/04/2026
APC Ltd is an award-winning and rapidly growing science-and technology-driven pharmaceutical process research company.
In the space of 5 years, we have pioneered innovation in the sector and we now partner with 8 of the top-10 pharma and 5 of the top-10 biotech firms in the world.
From our world-class facility, we offer specialised chemical and process engineering solutions.
Powered by novel technology and world-class scientific research, we help companies accelerate the development & launch of their medicines.
Our rapid growth has come from a commitment to excellence, a drive to innovate and the desire to develop a challenging, creative, and rewarding environment for our team.
If you are interested in a career focused on technical innovation, technology design and impact, we would love to hear from you.
About the team
Department: Technical Operations
Reports to: Biologics Functional Lead
Our biologics team comprises of highly qualified, dynamic and welcoming colleagues.
We support our clients by delivering world class bioprocess development to accelerate the delivery of quality, life-changing medicines to the patient across a wide range of therapeutic areas from oncolytic vaccines to rare genetic diseases.
Our team vision is to enhance the bioprocess development experience for our clients in a dynamic and cross-collaborative environment (APC Engineering, APC Biologics, APC Analytical, APC Quality & VLE GMP Manufacturing)
If you are looking to start your career in a dynamic, creative and patient focussed environment then APC is for you.
Role Overview
The Process Development Scientist – Upstream Fermentation will lead the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes using bacterial, yeast, and fungal systems.
The role is highly hands-on and involves working across micro-, bench-, and pilot-scale bioreactors, driving data-driven process improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams including strain engineering, downstream processing, analytics, and manufacturing.
The scientist will contribute technical leadership, mentor junior staff, ensure compliance and safety, and deliver robust, scalable processes aligned with business and commercial needs.
Principal Duties and Objectives
Fermentation Process Development
Develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes (bacterial, yeast, and fungal).
Conduct media development, growth parameter optimization, and yield validation.
Design, execute, and analyse fermentation experiments, including DoE and bioreactor studies across mini, bench, and pilot scales.
Establish and qualify scale-down models of manufacturing processes.
Integrate fermentation parameters with downstream separation, formulation, and drying workflows.
Utilise AI and data-science tools to enhance process development where appropriate.
Scientific & Technical Leadership
Support and lead technology transfer of processes.
Provide subject-matter expertise in fermentation science and bioprocess engineering.
Lead scientific workstreams and set priorities and goals for upstream project teams to achieve technical success.
Offer technical guidance on microbial, yeast, and fungi fermentation workflows.
Interpret complex technical challenges and design experiments to improve process robustness and productivity.
Education
PhD or MS in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical/Bioprocess Engineering, Bioengineering, Systems Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields.
Technical Experience
3–6+ years of post-graduate experience in microbial fermentation or industrial microbiology (industry or academia).
Extensive hands-on experience with bioreactor operations (HTS/mini, bench, pilot scale).
Proven track record in media optimisation, growth parameter tuning, yield improvement, and scale-up to =10 L.
Strong understanding of batch, fed-batch, and continuous fermentation.
Experience troubleshooting fermentation processes and bench-to-pilot transitions.
Familiarity with process control systems, automation platforms, and data integration.
Experience selecting, benchmarking, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
Expertise in DoE, statistical modelling, multivariate analysis, and data visualization tools.
High technical capability and productivity.
Strong curiosity, learning agility, and a proactive, self-starting mindset.
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving ability.
Exceptional planning, organisation, and time-management skills.
Ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams.
Comfortable leading, influencing, and holding others accountable.
Adaptable, flexible, and thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Business awareness with strong decision-making skills.
Team-oriented, collaborative, and supportive of others' development.
Equal Opportunity Statement
APC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all employees.
All employment decisions at APC are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to gender, ethnicity, age, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, or any other status protected by Irish law.
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