Senior Chemical Engineer - Fermentation and Bioprocessing

Placements24; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary and performance bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance;

Retirement plan with employer matching

Budget for professional development (e

Paid time off for vacation, sick leave

Remote tech support and equipment

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative remote culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer with expertise in fermentation and bioprocessing for our remote team. You will design, optimize, and scale bioprocesses for high-value chemicals and materials, leveraging bioreactor design, downstream processing, and process simulations.

This remote-first role requires 8+ years in fermentation, lab-to-commercial scale-up, and strong collaboration with microbiologists and engineers.

Qualifications

• Requires master's or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in fermentation and bioprocess engineering.
• Proven track record scaling up bioprocesses from lab to commercial scale.
• Deep understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and enzyme kinetics.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques (filtration, chromatography, extraction).
• Proficiency in process simulation software and bioreactor modeling tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results remotely.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize fermentation and bioprocesses for industrial applications.
• Perform bioreactor design calculations, mass and energy balances, and process simulations.
• Oversee scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in fermentation and downstream purification processes.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and other engineers to advance bioprocess technology.
• Ensure processes comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality guidelines (GMP where applicable).
• Develop and refine SOPs for bioprocess operations.
• Contribute to safer and more sustainable biomanufacturing practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge base.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioprocess engineering

Bioreactor design

Process simulation

Downstream processing

Remote collaboration

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's/PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Eng

Tools

Process simulation software

Bioreactor modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in biotechnology and sustainable chemical production, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Fermentation and Bioprocessing for their fully remote team. This role is instrumental in the design, optimization, and scale-up of bioprocesses for the production of high-value chemicals and materials. You will leverage your expertise in microbial fermentation, downstream processing, and bioreactor design to drive innovation and efficiency. As a remote-first organization, we foster a collaborative and high-performance virtual work environment, connecting talented professionals globally. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of industrial biotechnology, working from the convenience of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize fermentation and bioprocesses for industrial applications.
• Perform bioreactor design calculations, mass and energy balances, and process simulations.
• Oversee scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in fermentation and downstream purification processes.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and other engineers to advance bioprocess technology.
• Ensure all processes comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality guidelines (e.g., GMP where applicable).
• Develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for bioprocess operations.
• Contribute to the development of inherently safer and more sustainable biomanufacturing practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the knowledge base of the bioprocessing team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in fermentation and bioprocess engineering.
• Proven track record in scaling up bioprocesses from lab to commercial scale.
• Deep understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and enzyme kinetics.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques (e.g., filtration, chromatography, extraction).
• Proficiency in process simulation software and bioreactor modeling tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and deliver results in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a generous retirement savings plan and employer matching.
• A substantial annual budget is allocated for professional development, including courses, conferences, and advanced training.
• Employees enjoy ample paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays, promoting work-life integration.
• We equip our remote employees with the necessary technology and support for optimal productivity.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading biotechnology company are significant.
• We cultivate an innovative, inclusive, and highly collaborative remote work culture.