About Switch Bioworks
Based in San Carlos, CA, Switch Bioworks is redefining bioproduction through programmable microbes. Beginning with agriculture, we are developing nitrogen-fixing microbial consortia that live directly on crop roots. This replaces expensive, carbon-intensive synthetic fertilizers with a living alternative that reshapes the economics and sustainability of farming.
Our edge lies in our namesake “switches” - synthetic biology control systems that activate microbial production only when and where it’s needed. By combining microbial ecology with advanced genetic control systems, Switch is building a biological platform with the potential to transform agriculture and a wide range of industrial bioproduction applications.
Our mission is simple: improve planetary health while reducing fertilizer costs at the farm gate. Learn more at www.switchbioworks.com
About the position
As the Lead Bioprocess Development Engineer, you will lead the development of fermentation, recovery, and formulation processes for Switch’s engineered microbial products. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader to own this work stream, manage a small team, and strategically contribute to cross-functional R&D leadership. The position is responsible for the development of scalable processes for the cost-effective manufacture of viable, stabilized, regulatory compliant, biological products, their transfer to CMOs, and their deployment internally for the generation of test materials to support growth chamber, greenhouse, and field studies.
Objectives and responsibilities
Fermentation Leadership: Source, equip, and operate lab-scale stirred-tank bioreactors (STRs) to develop robust and scalable high-cell density fermentation processes for microbial products.
Engineering Analysis: Design and execute rigorous quantitative physiology studies to establish scalable media compositions and feeding strategies, mass and energy balances, mixing and oxygen transfer requirements, etc. Develop and own process techno-economic analysis (TEA).
Recovery & Formulation: Develop scalable downstream processes (DSP) including cell recovery, drying, stabilization, and blending of live microbes for long-term shelf-life and deployment into the field.
Process Scale-up: Own process description and flow diagrams, manage relationships and lead technology transfer for scale-up and manufacturing with CRO and CMOs, review batch records, and participate in on-site troubleshooting as required.
Trial Support: Prepare and stabilize high-quality microbial materials to support time-sensitive Greenhouse and Field Trial applications.
Management: Support, mentor, and guide team member activities and career development. Contribute to the cross-functional strategic leadership team.
Characteristics of a successful candidate
Must be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. and able to work on-site daily in San Carlos, CA, and travel out of state for several days as required from time to time.
Deep technical mastery of stirred-tank bioreactor operations, control systems, and monitoring, and analytics.
Expert biochemical engineer with deep understanding of microbial physiology and industrial fermentation process development.
Experience with industrial biomass recovery and formulation unit operations, including centrifugation, filtration, spray drying, lyophilization, and powder blending.
Strong interpersonal and cross-functional leadership skills; able to bridge the gap between synthetic biology, industrial manufacturing, science, engineering, and business.
An "owner" mindset with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical hardware, analyze complex datasets, drive independent projects in a fast-paced startup environment, and influence across an organization.
Exceptional organizational skills for managing external vendors and complex tech transfer timelines.
Demonstrated ability to operate under EHS and regulatory guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications
B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
5-8 years of industrial experience in bioprocess development, with an emphasis on live bacterial products (Ag-Bio or Probiotics preferred).
Experience in stabilization and formulation (e.g., spray drying, freeze drying) is considered a significant asset.
Proficiency in statistical analysis software (JMP, Python, or R) and process modeling.
Demonstrated success in managing tech transfer to external CMOs.
Expected salary range
$120,000-155,000
Salary and Title commensurate with experience
