Downstream Process Specialist

Harry Walsh Associates Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency specializing in food and nutrition is seeking a Downstream Process Specialist in Cork, Ireland. The role involves overseeing all downstream processing activities, troubleshooting daily issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should have a degree in an appropriate field and significant hands-on experience in bioprocessing, especially within microbial fermentation. This is a great opportunity to work in an advanced technical environment with a focus on optimizing processes.

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in downstream processing within microbial fermentation.
• Expertise in crossflow filtration systems, biomass handling, and enzyme stabilization.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex bioprocesses.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all downstream processing activities, from fermentation harvest to final product drying.
• Operate and optimize unit operations including filtration and biomass separation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to maximize product recovery and quality.

Skills

Downstream processing

Troubleshooting

Bioprocess optimization

Crossflow filtration

Education

Degree in Bioprocess Engineering

MSc or PhD

Tools

SAP

Job description

Downstream process specialist opportunity with a Global Food and Nutrition company. You will be the supporting process consistency, contamination reduction and yield improvement. As a team of 6, you will be overseeing the process within the production site, troubleshooting daily problems and advising the operators on how to manage the issues. You will also be experimenting in the lab for process optimization, change conditions and testing different variables.

With a focus on fermentation, microfiltration, separation, liquids blending, sterilization and spray-drying, this is an advanced and technical site.

What you'll be doing
• Oversee all downstream (DS) processing activities, from fermentation harvest through to final product drying.
• Operate and optimize unit operations including: Filtration: Microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and sterile filtration
• Biomass separation (centrifugation, decantation)
• Drying technologies (spray drying, lyophilization, etc.)
• Troubleshoot daily process deviations and implement immediate corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on maximizing product recovery, yield, and quality.
• Support and manage pilot plant operations to test and scale new downstream processes.
• Collaborate closely with upstream, analytical, and quality teams to ensure seamless process integration.
• SAP Knowledge will be a plus

Experience

• Degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field; MSc or PhD preferred.
• Significant hands-on experience in downstream processing within microbial fermentation or biomanufacturing.
• Expertise in crossflow filtration systems, biomass handling, and enzyme stabilization.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex bioprocesses.
• Experience with pilot plant operation and process scale-up is a strong advantage.