Bioprocess Engineer - Fermentation Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Bioprocess Engineer specialized in fermentation to join our team in Tembisa. You will optimize and scale biomanufacturing processes for biologics, balancing hands-on lab work with process design. The role requires a degree in chemical/biochemical engineering, 3+ years in industrial bioprocessing, and GMP/DoE experience. Hybrid work offered with development opportunities and modern facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of industrial bioprocess engineering experience with fermentation.
• Hands-on bioreactor operation, aseptic technique, and process scale-up.
• Proficiency in DoE and statistical analysis for process optimization.
• Familiarity with GMP and biopharma regulatory requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale-up fermentation processes for microbial and mammalian cell cultures.
• Monitor and control critical process parameters to ensure optimal cell growth, product formation, and downstream processing compatibility.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation with other biomanufacturing stages.
• Develop and validate new process analytical technology (PAT) tools for real-time monitoring and control of fermentation.
• Generate detailed batch records, technical reports, and process documentation.

Skills

Bioprocess engineering

Fermentation

DoE

GMP

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Bioreactor operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a skilled Bioprocess Engineer with a specialization in fermentation to join their innovative team in Tembisa . This role is crucial for optimizing and scaling up our client's biomanufacturing processes, ensuring the efficient and high-quality production of biologics. You will be instrumental in troubleshooting, process development, and implementing new technologies to enhance fermentation yields and product purity. This position offers a blend of hands‑on laboratory work and strategic process design, contributing to the advancement of biopharmaceutical production within a collaborative and forward‑thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale-up fermentation processes for microbial and mammalian cell cultures.
• Monitor and control critical process parameters to ensure optimal cell growth, product formation, and downstream processing compatibility.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation with other biomanufacturing stages.
• Develop and validate new process analytical technology (PAT) tools for real-time monitoring and control of fermentation.
• Generate detailed batch records, technical reports, and process documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial bioprocess engineering , with a strong focus on microbial or cell culture fermentation.
• Hands‑on experience with bioreactor operation, aseptic techniques, and process scale‑up.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DoE) for process optimization.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP) in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• A supportive and collaborative company culture focused on innovation and growth.