Founded from New Zealand in 2020, Nutrition from Water (NXW) is a nutrition technology company enabling net positive, affordable, and natural nutrition for all.

As a team of food executives, marine biologists, fermentation experts, food scientists, and category builders, we are growing a new global category that unlocks affordable and complete nutrition (strains, ingredients, and applications) that plug into existing food supply chains.

• Excellence always, never compromising on sustainability, functionality, or taste
• Nurturing our people and planet in everything we do
• Kiwi / Portuguese values at our heart and in our minds
• Respect and care for our NXW team every day

The R&D Scientist will lead the optimization of NXW’s fermentation process and downstream processing efforts. A critical part of this role is executing NXW’s Upstream and Downstream R&D Plan for 2025-2026, which includes research and development aimed at maximizing biomass yield, protein content, and flavor optimization of Marine Whey Protein (MWP).

This role holder will closely collaborate with other members of our R&D teams to ensure the success of fermentation, strain selection, and protein extraction workflows and the achievement of NXW’s production and quality standards. Initially this person will focus on individual contributions, with potential leadership responsibilities as the company grows.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in bioprocessing, a passion for innovation and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment.

1. Lead Process Optimization

• Optimize fermentation processes by balancing growth rate, yield, and product quality, including variables like temperature, pH, oxygen supply, and nutrient composition for protein production.
• Work with the Strain Development and Downstream Processing teams to ensure fermentation aligns with microbial selection and downstream processing requirements.
• Regularly document and report on research progress, ensuring the plan’s milestones are met and results support NXW’s production objectives.

2. Strain Development Support

• Support the Strain Development team in identification of microalgae strains with improved protein content and compatibility with fermentation and downstream processes.
• Contribute technical insights to strain selection and development, ensuring alignment with NXW’s nutritional and sustainability objectives.

3. Downstream Processing Support

• Support the Downstream Processing team in designing and optimizing protein extraction and purification processes (e.g., filtration, centrifugation, ultrafiltration, high-pressure homogenization) for MWP products.
• Perform analytical assessments (e.g., protein yield, solubility, functionality) to ensure extracted proteins meet food industry standards.
• Support the integration of upstream fermentation outputs with downstream workflows for seamless production scaling.

4. Protocol Development and Standardization

• Create and maintain SOPs for optimized processes, supporting scale-up and regulatory compliance.

5. Data Analysis and Process Improvement

• Conduct in-depth analyses of data across up- and downstream, including growth rate, biomass yield, and protein content, to identify opportunities for process optimization.

• Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners, contributing to seamless integration of fermentation processes.
• Development and implementation of robust fermentation protocols, including CIP and SIP practices.
• Achievement of productivity, yield, and cost-effectiveness targets, contributing to NXW’s production and quality goals.

Expertise in Microalgae Fermentation

• Strong background in microalgae or microorganism fermentation, with experience in upstream and downstream process techniques.
• Background in protein analytics, particularly with relation to protein functional assays is desirable.

Downstream Processing Knowledge

Proficiency in protein extraction and purification techniques (e.g., filtration, HPH), ideally for food applications.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Proficient in data analysis and interpretation to identify process improvements and optimize production efficiency.

• Expertise in fermentation of microalgae or microorganisms, with broader experience in biotechnology a plus.
• Proven experience in strain and process optimization to maximize productivity, yield, and quality.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and standardization of fermentation protocols.
• Hold an MsC or PhD degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology or related field.