(Senior) Research Engineer

ILLINOIS ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER AT SINGAPORE LTD.; Town of Islip (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking a highly motivated (Senior) Research Engineer to contribute to cutting-edge fermentation technologies focused on sustainability. This role involves bioprocess development, downstream processing, and industry collaboration, making it ideal for individuals passionate about fermentation and committed to long-term research positions.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation processes.
• Familiar with downstream processing techniques.
• Understanding of analytical techniques for product characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale up fermentation processes.
• Conduct product recovery and purification.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data.

Skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology

Tools

HPLC

GC

Spectroscopy

Bioreactors

Job description

Introduction to The Centre for Precision Fermentation and Sustainability:

The Centre for Precision Fermentation and Sustainability (PreFerS) is a research collaboration between Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Illinois Advanced Research Center at Singapore Ltd. (Illinois ARCS), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). The program aims to develop cutting-edge fermentation technologies for sustainable food production and ingredient synthesis, with a strong focus on sustainability and commercial translation.

About This Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated (Senior) Research Engineer to join the PreFerS project. The selected candidate will be involved in bioprocess development, fermentation scale-up, and downstream processing, contributing to applied research and industry collaboration. The role is ideal for individuals passionate about fermentation, bioprocess engineering, and sustainability, and who are committed to a long-term research position.

Key Responsibilities:

· Bioprocess Development: Design, optimize, and scale up fermentation processes from lab to pilot scale.

· Downstream Processing: Conduct product recovery, purification, and separation using filtration, chromatography, and drying techniques.

· Data Analysis & Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, generating reports and presentations.

· Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Work with large-scale bioreactors and downstream processing equipment, ensuring proper functionality and compliance.

· Procurement & Vendor Liaison: Coordinate purchases of chemicals, reagents, and consumables necessary for research.

· Safety & Compliance: Conduct risk assessments and ensure adherence to Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) regulations.

· Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Investigators, and team members to meet research objectives.

· Industry Engagement: Support collaboration with industry partners for technology translation and commercialization.

Job Requirements:

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field. A Master’s degree is advantageous but not required.

· Experience: Open to fresh graduates or candidates with some industry/research experience.

· Technical Knowledge:

o Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, or continuous fermentation).

o Familiarity with downstream processing techniques (centrifugation, membrane filtration, chromatography, drying, etc.).

o Understanding of analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, spectroscopy, etc.) used for product characterization.

· Skills:

o Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in bioprocess operations.

o Good organizational and project management skills.

o Ability to work both independently and in a team.

o Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume/CV together with a cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience for the position.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.