Chemical Engineer - Fermentation & Bioprocessing

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art bioprocessing labs

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in Fermentation and Bioprocessing to join a leader in biotechnology in Paarl, Western Cape. Design, optimize, scale-up and operate microbial fermentation for biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals; hybrid work model with on-site lab and remote analysis.

The role requires strong microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and downstream processing know-how; collaborative, data-driven environment with quality systems and GMP

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 3–5 years' hands-on experience in industrial fermentation and downstream bioprocessing.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetic engineering in bioprocessing.
• Proficiency with fermentation equipment and control systems.
• Experience with downstream purification techniques (centrifugation, filtration, chromatography).
• Knowledge of process modeling and simulation is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and ability to work in a hybrid team.
• Familiarity with GMP or quality systems desirable.
• Adaptability to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize microbial fermentation processes for target products.
• Scale-up fermentation from bench to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop downstream processing strategies (cell harvesting, purification, formulation).
• Monitor fermentation parameters to maximize yield and productivity.
• Perform process validation and characterization studies.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of bioprocesses.
• Troubleshoot fermentation and downstream processing issues.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and scientists to meet objectives.
• Maintain batch records, develop SOPs, ensure quality/regulatory compliance.
• Analyze process data and prepare development reports.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioprocessing

Metabolic engineering

Process control

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

GMP awareness

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Control systems

Chromatography

Filtration

Centrifugation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the biotechnology sector, is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in Fermentation and Bioprocessing to join their innovative team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role involves the design, optimization, scale-up, and operation of microbial fermentation processes for the production of valuable biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals. You will work at the intersection of chemical engineering and biology, leveraging your skills to develop efficient and robust biomanufacturing solutions. The position offers a hybrid work model, balancing essential on-site laboratory and pilot plant work with remote flexibility for analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and downstream processing, coupled with solid chemical engineering principles. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growing field of industrial biotechnology and shape the future of sustainable bioproduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize microbial fermentation processes for target products.
• Scale-up fermentation processes from laboratory bench to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop and implement downstream processing strategies (e.g., cell harvesting, purification, formulation).
• Monitor and control fermentation parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrient feed) to maximize yield and productivity.
• Perform process validation and characterization studies.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of bioprocesses.
• Troubleshoot fermentation and downstream processing issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and other scientists to achieve project objectives.
• Maintain detailed batch records, develop SOPs, and ensure compliance with relevant quality and regulatory standards.
• Analyze process data and prepare reports on process performance and development progress.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in industrial fermentation and downstream bioprocessing.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetic engineering principles as applied to bioprocessing.
• Proficiency with fermentation equipment and control systems.
• Experience with various downstream purification techniques (e.g., centrifugation, filtration, chromatography).
• Knowledge of process modeling and simulation for bioprocesses is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Familiarity with GMP or relevant quality management systems is desirable.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, opportunities for professional development and conference attendance. You will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art bioprocessing facilities. The hybrid nature of this role in Paarl, Western Cape offers a blend of on-site engagement and remote flexibility, promoting a healthy work-life balance.