---
title: 'Research Associate, Fermentation (Pilot Plant) at Debut Biotech'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-fermentation-pilot-plant-debut-biotech-san-diego-2wdvpebp879g'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-04'
---

# Research Associate, Fermentation (Pilot Plant) at Debut Biotech

- **Company:** Debut Biotech
- **Location:** San Diego, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-07-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-04
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/debutbiotech25/jobs/5199112007

## Job description

## About Debut

Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do—setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world.  Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.

Research Associate, Fermentation (Pilot Plant)

Summary

Debut Biotechnology is seeking a Research Associate to aid in microbial fermentation processes for small molecule production. This individual should be versed in fermentation science and have a basic understanding of microbial physiology, secondary metabolism, and biosynthetic pathways. The ideal candidate would be an energetic, adaptive, creative, and highly self-motivated individual who enjoys undertaking complex challenges both individually and as part of a team. The successful candidate will interact closely with molecular biologists, chemists, and engineers and will be directly responsible for bench-scale bioreactor operation and small molecule product analysis. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills are essential due to the highly collaborative nature of the position.

Essential Functions

- Design and execution of fermentation experiments across multiple volumes
- Optimization of fermentation operations by controlling numerous parameters
- Maintenance of bench-scale bioreactors
- Preparation of media, buffers, and chemical solutions
- Product sampling and chemical/microbiological analysis
- Bioreactor and laboratory material cleaning and sterilization
- Data processing and statistical analysis to maximize understanding of strain performance
- High throughput experiment optimization across multiple reaction volumes
- Evening/nights and weekend work may be required on occasions

Education and Experience

Required:

- Bachelors Degree; OR Associates Degree + 2 years of experience; OR HS Diploma/GED + 4 years of experience
- Attention to detail and meticulous record keeping
- Intermediate/advanced Excel skills
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple projects

Preferred:

- Experience with small molecule fermentation via genetically engineered organisms is a plus
- Experience with pressurized bioreactors
- Experience CIP/SIP techniques
- Experience understanding and running advanced experimental designs is a plus
- Experience interpreting fermentation’s product and byproduct results is a plus

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

- Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
- Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
- Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
- Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
- The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
- The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Pay Range: $21.00 – $26.44 / hourly

## About Debut Biotech

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Debut Biotech combines AI, genomics, and biotechnology to discover and manufacture high-performance ingredients and formulations for the beauty industry.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series B, 2024)
- **Headquarters**: San Diego, California, USA
- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Dr. Joshua Britton

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Biotechnology, Beauty & Personal Care, AI-driven ingredient discovery
- **Target customers**: B2B (beauty brands, cosmetics companies) and B2C via its own consumer brand DEINDE
- **Mission**: “To continuously translate scientific discovery into real-world products” [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)

## Products & Services
- **[BeautyORB™ AI Discovery Platform]**: Proprietary AI platform that screens over 96 billion ingredient candidates, using genomics and machine learning to predict novel high-performing molecules faster than traditional R&D [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
- **[DermCeutical Ingredient Line]**: Clinically validated active ingredients targeting skin longevity, including DHK (barrier support), Naringenin (inflammaging), PNar (brightening), and EDL (skin tightening) [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
- **[DEINDE Consumer Brand]**: Biotech beauty proof‑of‑concept brand launched in 2024 to showcase Debut’s own formulations [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)
- **Formulation & Contract Manufacturing**: Full‑service product development from ingredient discovery to scaled, brand‑ready products [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total funding of over $86 M from multiple rounds (Seed, $2.6M, $22M Series A, $40M Series B, $20M follow‑on)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: L’Oréal (lead in Series B & strategic partner), Material Impact (Series A lead), KDT Ventures (seed), Linda (angel) [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Named to the **TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2025** [debutbiotech.com](https://www.debutbiotech.com/)
  - Expanded into hair and body care in 2026 [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)
  - Amassed **2 billion genomic data points** on skin health [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
  - Active global hiring (Asia Pacific, Korea, Europe, US) [greenhouse.io/jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/debutbiotech25)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertically Integrated AI‑to‑Manufacturing Pipeline**: Discovery, validation, and scaling all in‑house, reducing time‑to‑market to 18 months [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
- **Proprietary Dataset**: Largest proprietary skin‑health genomic dataset, surpassing public datasets with 99% consistency [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
- **Speed & Cost**: 4× faster ingredient discovery and 10× cheaper than traditional methods [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
- **Biomanufacturing Capabilities**: Pilot plant in San Diego enables commercialization of rare natural ingredients [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)

## Strategic Focus
- **Commercial growth**: Scaling sales of bioactive ingredients to global beauty brands, especially in Asia Pacific, Korea, and Europe [greenhouse.io/jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/debutbiotech25)
- **Category expansion**: Moving beyond skincare into hair and body care [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)
- **Deepening partnerships**: Expanding the L’Oréal collaboration and signing new brand partners [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Fast‑paced biotech startup with a world‑class team of scientists and entrepreneurial leaders; values rigorous science and speed to market [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)
- **Work Model**: On‑site in San Diego, with some regional sales roles remote (East Coast, West Coast, international) [greenhouse.io/jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/debutbiotech25)
- **Roles Available**: Scientists (NGS, fermentation, cellular assays), commercial sales (APAC, Korea, Europe, US), account management, and internship opportunities [greenhouse.io/jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/debutbiotech25)
- **Perks**: Opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, biotech, and high‑performance beauty; direct impact on novel ingredient discovery and commercialization

## Sources
1. [debutbiotech.com](https://www.debutbiotech.com/)
2. [debutbiotech.com/about](https://www.debutbiotech.com/about)
3. [debutbiotech.com/platform](https://debutbiotech.com/platform)
4. [greenhouse.io/jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/debutbiotech25)
5. [linkedin.com/company/debutinnovation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/debutinnovation)

## Other roles at Debut Biotech

- [Molecular Biology Technician - Temporary](https://feeny.ai/job/molecular-biology-technician-temporary-debut-biotech-san-diego-0r4y0y33405p) — San Diego, CA
- [Project Manager, Contract Manufacturing](https://feeny.ai/job/project-manager-contract-manufacturing-debut-biotech-san-diego-qebpra5tezax) — San Diego, CA
- [Director, Formulation Sales](https://feeny.ai/job/director-formulation-sales-debut-biotech-san-diego-yg164yrb7wbz) — San Diego, CA
- [Sr. Director, Formulation Sales](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-director-formulation-sales-debut-biotech-san-diego-30aw7js954z8) — San Diego, CA
- [Associate Director/Director, Downstream Processing](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-director-downstream-processing-debut-biotech-san-diego-4e2em3m472g5) — San Diego, CA
- [Staff Process Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-process-engineer-debut-biotech-san-diego-0p4p6rgxrf53) — San Diego, CA
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- [Project Manager, Formulation Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/project-manager-formulation-operations-debut-biotech-san-diego-r95mf35s7130) — San Diego, CA
- [Research Associate, Fermentation](https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-fermentation-debut-biotech-san-diego-2n56yswvv94c) — San Diego, CA
- [Debut Internship Talent Pool](https://feeny.ai/job/debut-internship-talent-pool-debut-biotech-san-diego-f90rfqm5bv4j) — San Diego, CA