Fermentation Scientist (Microbiology)
at Hypha Discovery Limited
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000
Application Closing Date: 14 June 2026
Who they are
Hypha Discovery is a specialist CRO supporting pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies worldwide through the production of metabolites and late-stage derivatives of drugs and agrochemicals in discovery and development.
They are also experts in in vitro metabolite profiling/identification, and possess a wealth of experience in the production, purification and structure elucidation of natural products.
Job Description
- Perform and optimise microbial fermentation in shake flasks
- Work with wild-type and recombinant microorganisms for biotransformations
- Conduct whole cell biocatalysis experiments
- Maintain and develop strain culture collections of bacteria (enterobacteria & actinomycetes) and fungi
- Support fed-batch and small-scale bioreactor processes (e.g., typically using vessels between 1-19L)
The ideal candidate
They are looking for an energetic and proactive microbiologist to work within the Biocatalysis Group designing, executing and supporting microbial fermentation and biocatalysis processes, while contributing to laboratory operations, strain management and R&D programmes. The role combines hands-on experimental work with operational and technical responsibilities, including general microbiology, shake-flask and stirred-tank bioreactor fermentations, and recombinant enzyme and whole-cell biocatalysis.
What are they looking for?
- Degree (PhD preferred) in microbiology or a related field
- Proven laboratory experience in microbiology and fermentation
- Desirable skills and experience with working with enterobacteria (e.g., recombinant E. coli strains and occasionally Class II pathogens), soil bacteria (e.g., actinomycetes), or fungal systems
- Experience with stirred-tank fed-batch bioreactor operation and whole-cell biocatalysis would be an advantage, but all training will be provided
- Strong understanding of laboratory quality systems and HSE regulatory compliances
- Ability to manage multiple projects in parallel while meeting tight deadlines
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
