Careers in Industrial Fermentation

In this video Graeme Pallas talks about science jobs and careers in industrial fermentation, what types of industrial fermentation jobs are being recruited for, and the skills required to do them:

In its simplest definition, industrial fermentation is the intentional use of fermentation by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi to make products useful to humans.  Many companies across the globe use fermentation processes to produce products in their respective industries.  These industries range from food and drinks to sewage treatment and most recently we have seen an increase in life science organisations using industrial fermentation processes to develop and manufacture recombinant proteins.

Where are most companies located?

Most companies operating in the field of life sciences industrial fermentation tend to operate as either a Contract Research Organisation, or CRO, or a Contract Manufacturing Organisation, sometimes shortened to CMO.

Fermentation based companies generally tend to be centred in core areas across the globe.  Here in the UK, you may find such hubs in:

  • Central Belt of Scotland
  • Teesside in North East England
  • Liverpool in North West England
  • Cambridge and Slough in South East England

What skills do employers look for?

When employers are looking to recruit in the area of fermentation they will generally look for people who have studied Biotechnology, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology.  These courses expose students to the required subject knowledge to begin a career in industrial fermentation.  In addition to any qualifications, employers may also be interested in scientists who have worked in a fermentation, upstream processing, strain development or scale-up position.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in industrial fermentation please get in touch to discuss what career opportunities may be open to you

 

 

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