Pilot Plant Technician

Zymofix is a dynamic and innovative scale-up committed to sustainable and circular agriculture. We specialize in developing effective and economically viable microbial products that reduce farmers' dependence on agricultural chemicals while maintaining high productivity. As a leader in sustainable agriculture, we strive to deliver advanced solutions that enable farmers to grow healthy crops and increase their yield without using chemical fertilizers. Zymofix plans to build an industrial-scale demo plant in 2027.

We are looking for a Pilot Plant Technician with a critical mindset to strengthen our team. You will be responsible for:

• Operating, maintaining, and analyzing the existing pilot plants, specifically substrate production, the fermentation section, lab analyses, and downstream processing.
• The production of fermentation substrates using an innovative thermophysical pretreatment system.
• Cultivating microorganisms in various solid-state fermentors at pilot scale.
• Managing and maintaining the machinery, including both preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as troubleshooting technical malfunctions.
• Assisting with small-scale construction projects (e.g., installing drying ovens or cleanroom ventilation), occasionally coordinating with external contractors.
• On-site support for larger new construction projects as the pilot plant expands.

Do you meet the requirements below? Then you might be the perfect candidate. But don't worry if you don't meet everything; feel free to apply! You never know if there is another position at Zymofix that better suits your skills.

• You have a technical bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge through relevant experience; a degree in (electro)mechanics, biochemistry, or a related field is a plus.
• You have strong technical insight, good troubleshooting skills, and basic knowledge of electricity; basic knowledge of motors is an extra asset.
• You can read and interpret technical documents, equipment manuals, and process diagrams.
• You are a strong problem solver and approach technical challenges hands-on.
• You are willing and able to work safely in high-risk environments (chemicals, high-pressure systems, pilot plants) and strictly adhere to safety procedures; demonstrable experience in this area, where you embody a safety-first culture and take personal responsibility for on-site risk assessments, is a plus.
• You have experience with lab analyses and working with microorganisms; knowledge of fermentation processes and hygiene practices is a plus.
• You speak and write fluent English; fluent knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

This position requires strong technical skills, a high degree of independence, and the ability to collaborate smoothly in a multidisciplinary team. You derive energy from collective success.