Chemical Engineer - Fermentation & Bioprocessing

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Chemical Engineer with fermentation and bioprocessing expertise to design, optimize, scale-up, and operate microbial fermentation for biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals in Paarl, Western Cape.

The role blends lab, pilot plant, and hybrid remote work, requiring strong knowledge of microbial physiology, metabolism, and downstream processing with GMP familiarity. Collaboration across bioscience teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD 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.

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.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioprocessing

Scale-up

Techno-economic analysis

Data interpretation

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Control systems

Downstream purification equipment

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.