Bioprocess Development Scientist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary + annual bonus

Comprehensive medical and retirement •

State-of-the-art lab facilities

Professional development opportunities

Meaningful biotherapeutics work

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, is seeking a Bioprocess Development Scientist to join a hybrid team focused on developing, optimizing, and scaling mammalian cell culture processes for biotherapeutic proteins. The role combines hands-on lab work, experimental design, and data analysis with collaborative technology transfer efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D./MSc in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field, 3–5 years of hands-on biopharma

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years hands-on biopharmaceutical process development experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and bioprocess development.
• Strong understanding of cell biology and bioreactor operations.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for development and optimization of mammalian cell culture processes (fed-batch, perfusion).
• Perform cell culture scale-up from benchtop to pilot scale.
• Use DOE methodologies to optimize process parameters.
• Monitor CPPs and CQAs and analyze data.
• Develop analytical methods for process monitoring and product characterization.
• Troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and technology transfer documents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across development and manufacturing.

Skills

DOE methodology

Data analysis

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

M.S./Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or Biotechnology

Tools

Bioreactor operations

Analytical techniques

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical development, is seeking a talented Bioprocess Development Scientist to join their team in Mahikeng, North West . This role is critical for the development, optimization, and scale-up of mammalian cell culture processes for the production of biotherapeutic proteins. The scientist will be involved in hands-on laboratory work, experimental design, data analysis, and technology transfer. This hybrid position combines essential laboratory time with flexible remote work options. You will contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge biologic therapies, working within a collaborative and innovative environment. Our client is dedicated to scientific rigor, quality, and bringing life-changing medicines to patients worldwide. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated scientist looking to make a significant impact in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for the development and optimization of mammalian cell culture processes (e.g., fed-batch, perfusion).
• Perform cell culture scale-up activities from benchtop to pilot scale.
• Utilize DOE (Design of Experiments) methodologies to efficiently optimize process parameters.
• Monitor and analyze critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Develop and implement robust analytical methods for process monitoring and product characterization.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and technology transfer documents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including upstream development, downstream processing, analytical development, and manufacturing.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in bioprocess technology and cell culture science.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical process development, specifically in mammalian cell culture.
• Strong understanding of cell biology, metabolism, and bioreactor operations.
• Experience with process optimization techniques, including DOE.
• Proficiency with common laboratory equipment and analytical techniques used in bioprocess development.
• Excellent data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid setting.
• Experience with process scale-up and technology transfer is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Meaningful work contributing to the development of novel biotherapeutics.