AQUA Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology company disrupting the alternative protein space with the world’s first whole-cut seafood alternatives created through fermentation. Our novel technology produces a sustainable food source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As our global challenges with overfishing, climate change, and feeding the world’s expanding population grow, our mission is to create delicious, nutrient-rich foods to feed our planet and protect our oceans.

We are actively seeking a Fermentation Technician for immediate hire to join us as a full-time team member. This person will play a key role on our Production team and execute day-to-day fermentation, finished product processes, and sanitation/sterilization. Activities include media preparation, fermentation inoculation, harvest, downstream processing, and packaging of finished product.

Location

You will work on-site full-time (M-F) with our team in our pilot facility in West Town, Chicago. Remote work is not available for this role.

Job Responsibilities

Meticulously execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for aseptically preparing seed cultures through packaging finished product

Prepare and monitor production seed train and fermentation

Prepare media for production batches following all documented protocols

Execute processes to transform fermentation product into sellable finished goods, including: cutting, washing, marinating, and packaging following all established GMPs

Operate and monitor fermentation and production equipment and perform maintenance, inspection, and cleaning following operational instructions

Execute scalable bioreactor operating and control strategies, utilizing working knowledge of batch, fed-batch, and continuous fermentation

Capture and document data points as required throughout the fermentation and production processes

Minimum Requirements

BSc in a science, engineering, or related field

1-2 years of experience in liquid/solid fermentation and/or with plant operations equipment

Basic understanding of laboratory safety

Quick diagnosis and troubleshooting skills

Excellent time management and organizational skills

Keen attention to detail with strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Ability to follow protocols with high precision and accuracy

Ability to effectively multitask and maintain focus and quality

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and/or coursework in microbiology and aseptic technique

Experience with plant operations equipment

Experience with microscopy, spectroscopy, and assay development

Strong technical and mechanical troubleshooting abilities

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, healthcare (medical, vision, and dental), and a 401(k) with company match

Opportunity to be an early employee at a fast-growing food company

At Aqua Cultured Foods, we are committed to building a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workforce. We take being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer seriously and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.

AQUA Cultured Foods jobs

Fermentation Technician