Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Fermentation / Bioprocessing Engineering Focus

Job Title: Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Fermentation / Bioprocessing Engineering Focus

Location: Europe or US – Hybrid/Remote options available

Company Overview: Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) is an innovative, rapidly scaling biotechnology company focused on advancing sustainable solutions through cutting-edge microalgae fermentation technologies. We are committed to revolutionizing the production of natural astaxanthin through optimized fermentation processes and natural algal strains. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with a deep focus on bioprocessing / fermentation engineering to lead our technology and bio-engineering efforts.

Job Description: We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with expertise in bio-process engineering, specifically fermentation (ideally microalgae) to join our leadership team. The CTO will drive the company’s technological vision and innovation focussed on product scale-up, guiding our engineering efforts in fermentation and related technologies to create scalable, sustainable solutions. This person will have a critical role in both strategic and operational aspects, ensuring that we can efficiently scale our production processes while maintaining high-quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a background in bioprocessing engineering and product scale-up, with a proven track record of leading teams to achieve both technical and commercial milestones. You will work closely with the CEO, CSO, CFO, and production teams to shape the future of the company’s technology and process.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Strategy:

1. Develop and execute the bio-manufacturing vision and strategy for the company, aligning with business goals and growth objectives.
2. Leverage and mentor a diverse team of internal and external engineers, R&D scientists, and bioprocessing experts due to deliver the manufacturing goals for KAS.
3. Collaborate with the executive team to define and prioritize key manufacturing and process improvement initiatives.

2. Fermentation Technology Oversight:

1. Oversee the design, optimization, and scaling of fermentation equipment and DSP for the production of astaxanthin from microalgae
2. Drive innovation in bioprocessing, fermentation bioreactor optimization, and downstream processing.
3. Establish and maintain high standards for process efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.

3. Engineering R&D and Process Development:

1. Lead engineering teams (internally and externally) to advance fermentation and bioprocessing technologies, including developing fit-for-purpose new fermentation vessels, optimizing fermentation parameters in coordination with other departments, and improving yields.
2. Ensure that all technological advancements are scalable from pilot to commercial production, managing any technical risk associated with scale-up.
3. Oversee FEL, sensitivity, detailed process technoeconomic and other strategic analyses by external partners

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

1. Work closely with the R&D, production, and commercial teams to ensure seamless integration of technology development into the company’s overall operations, sustainability objectives, and business goals.
2. Provide technical guidance to ensure that products and processes are developed in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

5. External Partnerships and Funding:

1. Build and maintain relationships with key industry partners, research institutions, and funding organizations.
2. Stay informed on the latest trends, breakthroughs, and regulatory changes in fermentation, bio-process engineering and biotechnology.

6. Operational Excellence:

1. Establish KPIs for manufacturing development and process optimization, ensuring alignment with company growth milestones.
2. Develop and maintain efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible production methods.

7. Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

1. Foster a culture of continuous innovation within the engineering team, encouraging new ideas, creative solutions, and a data-driven approach to problem-solving.
2. Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and platforms that could improve or disrupt the company’s fermentation capabilities.

Qualifications:

Education: Ph.D. or M.S. in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in fermentation engineering, bioprocessing, or related technologies, with a strong track record of leading product and process development in a scale-up or commercial environment.
• Proven experience in scaling, ideally in aerobic fermentation processes, from pilot to commercial production.
• Significant leadership experience in a senior technical role, ideally within a high-growth, fast-paced company.
• Strong understanding of fermentation optimization, bioprocess engineering, and downstream processing, and the contribution of microbial strain development.

Skills:

• Expertise in all aspects of bioreactor design and operations including sparger design, pneumatic bioreactors, contamination controls, process control, and automation systems.
• Familiarity with regulatory, safety, and quality control requirements in food-grade fermentation-based industries.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to innovate and manage complex projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to lead and collaborate across teams and external stakeholders.
• A passion for sustainability and the role of biotechnology in solving global challenges.

Please note this role will require regular travel to our R&D facility (in Hawaii) and to our partners facilities in Europe and USA.

Preferred:

• Experience in working with bio-based products like biofuels, biochemicals, or plant-based proteins at industrial scale, ie production volumes from 5,000 L to 20,000 L or greater.
• Experience working with microalgae.
• Strong network in the fermentation/biotech industry.
• Prior experience with venture capital-backed scale-ups or early-stage companies.

Remuneration:

KAS offers a competitive remuneration package based on the skills and experience of the candidate.

The candidate will also be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus scheme and Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP).

Interested candidates should send their resume with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and current remuneration to