Chemical Engineer - Fermentation Processes

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Health benefits

Retirement planning

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with fermentation expertise to join our team in Benoni, SA. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling bioprocesses for high-value therapies.

You will collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and development scientists to advance projects from research through clinical production in a hybrid work model with on-site lab work and remote analysis.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in biochemical engineering or bioprocess technology.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development and scale-up within biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience with microbial fermentation processes and associated bioreactor technology.
• Strong understanding of downstream processing techniques (e.g., filtration, chromatography, centrifugation).
• Proficiency in process modeling and simulation software relevant to bioprocesses.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and validation principles in a biopharmaceutical context.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and sterile processing is advantageous.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a dynamic R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, operate, and optimize pilot-scale and commercial-scale fermentation processes.
• Develop and validate downstream processing steps, including separation, purification, and formulation.
• Conduct process characterization studies to understand critical process parameters and their impact on product quality and yield.
• Perform mass and energy balances, and size equipment for bioprocess applications.
• Develop and troubleshoot unit operations specific to biomanufacturing, such as bioreactors, centrifuges, filtration systems, and chromatography.
• Collaborate with analytical development teams to establish appropriate testing methods and specifications.
• Ensure all activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare technical reports, batch records, and process documentation for internal review and regulatory submissions.
• Contribute to process transfer activities between R&D, pilot, and manufacturing sites.
• Stay abreast of advancements in bioprocess engineering and related technologies.

Skills

Fermentation processes

Downstream processing

Process modeling & simulation

GMP compliance

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering (biochemical/bioprocess focus)

Tools

Bioreactor systems

Filtration systems

Chromatography

Process control software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in fermentation processes to join their team in Benoni . This role is integral to the development, optimization, and scale-up of bioprocesses for the production of high-value therapeutic compounds. The successful candidate will apply chemical engineering principles to fermentation, downstream processing, and associated unit operations, ensuring efficient, robust, and scalable manufacturing. You will collaborate closely with microbiologists, biochemists, and process development scientists to advance projects from research through to clinical production. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of chemical engineering and biotechnology, contributing to life‑saving therapies. The hybrid work model allows for essential on‑site laboratory and pilot plant work, combined with remote analysis and reporting, providing a balanced approach to project execution. We are committed to fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, operate, and optimize pilot‑scale and commercial‑scale fermentation processes.
• Develop and validate downstream processing steps, including separation, purification, and formulation.
• Conduct process characterization studies to understand critical process parameters and their impact on product quality and yield.
• Perform mass and energy balances, and size equipment for bioprocess applications.
• Develop and troubleshoot unit operations specific to biomanufacturing, such as bioreactors, centrifuges, filtration systems, and chromatography.
• Collaborate with analytical development teams to establish appropriate testing methods and specifications.
• Ensure all activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare technical reports, batch records, and process documentation for internal review and regulatory submissions.
• Contribute to process transfer activities between R&D, pilot, and manufacturing sites.
• Stay abreast of advancements in bioprocess engineering and related technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization or significant coursework in biochemical engineering or bioprocess technology.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development and scale‑up within the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience with microbial fermentation processes and associated bioreactor technology.
• Strong understanding of downstream processing techniques (e.g., filtration, chromatography, centrifugation).
• Proficiency in process modeling and simulation software relevant to bioprocesses.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and validation principles in a biopharmaceutical context.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience working in cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and sterile processing is advantageous.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a dynamic R&D environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement planning, and opportunities for professional development through conferences, workshops, and further education.

The hybrid role provides flexibility, blending on‑site work in Benoni with remote activities. Employees are part of a cutting‑edge research environment focused on improving human health. We value collaboration, scientific excellence, and work‑life balance, offering a dynamic and rewarding career path.