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Fermentation Scientist |
Career OverviewMany people do not realize the important job that a fermentation scientist completes in the development of many new foods, chemicals, and biotechnology advancements.
The fermentation scientist is responsible for identifying the various microorganisms that combine to create the new compound, learning what it takes to make these microorganisms grow, determining the best possible conditions for growth, and then producing them on a large enough scale to be used commercially. This process requires a great deal of understanding of both biotechnology and chemistry processes, as well as how to transfer from small, laboratory specimens to large scale production.
Fermentation scientists work closely with the research team to help them understand the conditions needed for the microorganisms to exist and grow. The fermentation scientist is involved in the experimental design as well as with the monitoring and troubleshooting of the various processes. Fermentation can be used in creating new medicines, foods, in distilleries and other industries.
Fermentation scientist have to be very patient as they work with extremely small samples and must constantly keep adjusting the growing medium to determine what food, light source and temperature conditions the various microorganisms need to grow and reproduce.
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Career RequirementsA fermentation scientist requires a minimum of a Bachelor level science degree in microbiology, biotechnology, chemistry, molecular or cell biology or any of the other life sciences.
A strong background in laboratory work and a willingness to work various hours and weekend shifts is also essential, especially when just starting out in the career field. Many of the larger processing plants work 24 hours a day and entry level staff often work night and weekend shifts.
Some fermentation scientists have a Masters or PhD level education and often these individuals are more directly involved with the overall production rather than the individual laboratory procedures. Good interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of all aspects of the production facility or lab are required for the management jobs.
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Job OutlookA steady demand is noted for fermentation scientists in most areas. The field is expanding as more pharmaceutical companies are changing their production and processing to more environmentally friendly processes and fermentation is being used over some of the chemical processes used in the past.
The largest employer of fermentation scientists is private sector business and research facilities, but some are hired by government research agencies and even universities that have research grants and labs.
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Career TrackOften senior and higher education level fermentation scientists become managers and even oversee the production of the given product. There are also options for fermentation scientists to act as consultants or work on a per contract job. This is a unique opportunity to travel and work in different areas both nationally and internationally.
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CompensationThe average earnings for an inexperienced fermentation scientist with a Bachelors level degree is approximately $33,000 per year. With a Master’s or higher level training and some supervisory experience the annual salary is often $50,000 or more.
In addition there may be benefits and bonuses involved for meeting production levels or as incentives for new developments and technologies. Those fermentation scientists working in private sector jobs earn a slightly higher salary per year than equivalent counterparts in government labs.
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Fermentation Scientist Jobs |
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