Bioprocess Engineer

Agrigas Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company in Pretoria seeks a Bioprocess Engineer to manage laboratory-scale anaerobic digesters. Responsibilities include testing feedstocks, collecting biogas data, and ensuring SCADA performance while maintaining safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree and strong data analysis skills. This is a full-time position requiring weekend work with a salary range of R25,000 to R45,000 per month.

Qualifications

• Strong data analysis and scientific reporting skills.
• Advanced Excel proficiency required.
• Solid understanding of microbiology or anaerobic digestion is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, profile, and test feedstocks.
• Daily biogas collection and gas concentration analysis.
• Monitor the SCADA system and provide timely information.
• Participate in weekly team meetings for updates.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Advanced Excel proficiency

Understanding of microbiology

Organized and detail-oriented

Physically fit

Commitment to safety

Passion for renewable energy

Education

Degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering

Job description

About Us

AgriGas Africa is a green energy business specialising in the development, construction, and operation of biomethane production plants. Our goal is to produce R3 million peta-joules (MW’s) of biomethane by converting energy crops and organic waste into renewable energy—helping South Africa meet its energy needs while offsetting the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuels. Historically, the biogas industry has faced limitations due to the quantity and quality of organic waste available relative to transportation distances. Pioneering the energy crop sector in South Africa is key to unlocking scalable growth in the industry.

Position

We are seeking a Bioprocess Engineer to join our passionate team and take ownership of our laboratory‑scale anaerobic digesters. We have been operating three 20 L digesters on a continuous feed basis since August, and this research is the cornerstone of the real‑scale design basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Bench work: prepare, profile, and test feedstocks (energy crops and organic waste).
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Daily biogas collection and gas concentration analysis.
• Daily digester withdrawal, digestate profiling, digestate dewatering (manual press), and blending with feed.
• Daily laboratory testing (total and soluble chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen analysis, FOS/TAC, total solids, and volatile solids).
• Daily data entry, recording and analysis.
• Monitor the SCADA system and provide timely information to the manager regarding laboratory performance and operations.
• Monthly sample collection and storage for external analysis.
• Project feedstock requirements for continued feeding and arrange feedstock collection.
• Manage freezer loading and storage, scheduling and coordinating external testing.
• Weekly procurement of PPE and laboratory consumables; schedule and oversee equipment maintenance.
• Communicate effectively with third parties: feedstock suppliers, equipment suppliers, maintenance service providers, external laboratories, and consultants.
• Participate in weekly team meetings to provide updates and align with company challenges.
• Collect and manage data from external laboratories and maintain the database.
• Interpret results and establish strategies in response to company needs.
• Ensure the trial reflects and addresses commercial‑scale challenges (C:N ratio, HRT management, OLR ramp‑up, risk of contamination, ammonia limitation, etc.).
• Contribute to the design and improvement of the SCADA system for user‑friendly and remote operability.
• Assist with process design development.
• Write, develop, and revise project documentation (SOPs, protocols, risk assessments, etc.).

Qualifications

• Degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Solid understanding of microbiology, biochemistry, or anaerobic digestion is a plus.
• Strong data analysis and scientific reporting skills; advanced Excel proficiency required.
• Organised, proactive, and detail‑oriented.
• Physically fit (able to handle feedstock, manual pressing/dewatering, reactor sampling).
• Committed to safety and GLP standards.
• Open to weekend availability (reactor feeding duty).
• Passion for renewable energy and sustainability.

Additional Information

Location: Irene, Centurion (on‑site, no remote work). Type: Full‑time (requires weekend work). Salary: R25 – R45 k/month. Start date: As soon as possible.