About the vacancy
Production
Manufacturing Engineering
Process Engineering
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Small molecules
About Your Next Job
Fungi are among the most threatening pathogens to global food production. To decrease crop losses, we are developing BioShield: a product with ‘chemical-grade efficacy’ with the sustainability and environmental benefits of a natural product.
As our Fermentation Intern, you will work directly with our R&D team to produce our biological pesticide and bring next-generation solutions to growers across the world.
In this role, you’ll work hands-on with microbial systems, generating data that will help us improve our upstream production process and work towards a large-scale production.
About Your Next Colleagues
Bionomic is a Dutch agritech startup developing next-generation biological crop protection solutions. Based at the Leiden Bio Science Park, we tackle plant diseases (particularly soil-borne pathogens) by combining biotechnology with practical agricultural applications. Our fermentation-derived bioactive molecules offer a targeted alternative to chemical fungicides, with no reliance on living microbes for greater consistency, stability, and scalability. From discovery to application, we work hands-on to translate science into solutions that farmers can actually use.
About Your Tasks and Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Assist in the design and execution of laboratory-scale fermentation experiments aimed at improving process performance (e.g., yield, productivity, robustness);
Prepare culture media, sterilize equipment, and support routine operation of bioreactors and shake flask systems;
Monitor fermentations by collecting samples and measuring key parameters such as biomass, substrate consumption, and product formation ;
Record, organize, and analyze experimental data using Lucullus (Process Information Management System);
Conduct literature reviews to identify relevant fermentation strategies and optimization approaches;
Optional: Automate parts of the fermentation process using Lucullus
About Your Skills and Experience
We are looking for:
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related field within Biochemical Engineering;
Basic understanding of fermentation processes and microbiology principles
Hands-on laboratory experience (e.g., working with microbial cultures, sterile techniques) is preferred;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in experimental design and data interpretation;
Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel; experience with Python or similar tools is a plus.
Where Molecules Meet Opportunities
Within this internship we can offer:
A lab and office space in Biopartner 5 (Bio Science Park)
A place for independent development, leading your own project
An opportunity to work on innovative sustainable solutions for agriculture
A diverse team of collaborative scientists, each with their own expertise
A dynamic workplace in a growing startup environment
You are eligible to work in EU
We only accept applicants who are eligible to work in the EU
Contact person
Diederik Mud
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Bionomic is a growing agritech startup based in Leiden, specializing in innovative biological crop protection solutions. We combine science with hands-on experimentation to develop sustainable alternatives for chemical pesticides.