Chemical Engineer - Fermentation Process Development

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Generous annual leave

Bioprocessing training

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer with fermentation expertise to join a pioneering bioprocessing team in Soweto, Gauteng. The role focuses on development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation and bioprocesses for bio-based products.

The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of bioreactor design, microbial physiology, and process control, with collaboration across biology and engineering disciplines to advance sustainable manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Chemical Engineering with biochemical/bioprocess emphasis
• Minimum of 3 years in fermentation process development or scale-up
• Solid understanding of microbial physiology and bioreactor operation

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize fermentation processes for microbial strains to maximize yield
• Design and operate lab and pilot bioreactors
• Develop downstream processing strategies including separation and purification
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations for bioprocesses
• Monitor critical process parameters to ensure optimal fermentation performance
• Conduct process validation studies and technology transfer to manufacturing
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions
• Analyze experimental data to guide process improvements
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and engineers

Skills

Biochemical engineering

Fermentation processes

Process control

Mass transfer

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Centrifugation

Filtration

Chromatography

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering bioprocessing company, is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in fermentation processes to join their growing team in Soweto, Gauteng. This role is crucial for the development, optimization, and scale-up of bioprocesses used in the production of valuable bio-based products. You will work at the intersection of chemical engineering and biotechnology, applying your knowledge to microbial fermentation, downstream processing, and bioseparations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of bioreactor design, microbial physiology, mass transfer in biological systems, and process control. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and innovative bio-based manufacturing. The position is based in Soweto, Gauteng, offering a unique opportunity to work within a developing industrial and research landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize fermentation processes for microbial strains to maximize product yield and efficiency.
• Design and operate laboratory and pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Develop strategies for downstream processing, including separation, purification, and recovery of target products.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations for bioprocesses.
• Monitor and control critical process parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc.) to ensure optimal fermentation performance.
• Conduct process validation studies and technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to guide process improvements.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and other engineers.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements for bio-based manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization or significant experience in biochemical or bioprocess engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in fermentation process development or scale-up.
• Solid understanding of microbial physiology, bioreactor operation, and aseptic techniques.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, and extraction.
• Proficiency in process data analysis and interpretation.
• Familiarity with process control strategies for bioreactors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage.
• Pension fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for specialized training in bioprocessing and fermentation technology.
• Exposure to cutting-edge biotechnology and sustainable manufacturing.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in Soweto, Gauteng.