Fermentation & Bioprocess Scientist (Scale-Up & Innovation)

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24's client, a biotechnology company in Paarl, seeks a Research Scientist to advance fermentation and bioprocess development, scaling microbial processes for bio-based products.

You will design lab-scale experiments, optimize bioprocesses, monitor parameters, and collaborate across downstream processing to scale from benchtop to pilot; a strong microbiology/biochem background and 4+ years in fermentation are required.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in microbial fermentation process development.
• Hands-on experience with various bioreactor systems and fermentation monitoring equipment.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology and metabolism.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques for analyzing fermentation products and byproducts.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and microbial strain handling.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a systematic approach to experimentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory-scale fermentation experiments to optimize microbial growth and product formation.
• Develop and implement robust bioprocesses for the production of target molecules (e.g., enzymes, metabolites, biopolymers).
• Perform process monitoring and control, including parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient feeding.
• Analyze fermentation broths using various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, ELISA, spectrophotometry).
• Characterize the physical and chemical properties of the produced biomolecules.
• Troubleshoot fermentation process issues and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation with purification steps.
• Scale up fermentation processes from benchtop to pilot scale.
• Document experimental procedures and results comprehensively in laboratory notebooks.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, publications, and patent applications.

Skills

Microbiology fundamentals

Bioprocess development

Analytical techniques

Statistical analysis

Aseptic technique

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Microbiology / Biotechnology / Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Bioreactor systems

Fermentation monitoring equipment

Job description

Placements24's client, a biotechnology company in Paarl, seeks a Research Scientist to advance fermentation and bioprocess development, scaling microbial processes for bio-based products.

You will design lab-scale experiments, optimize bioprocesses, monitor parameters, and collaborate across downstream processing to scale from benchtop to pilot; a strong microbiology/biochem background and 4+ years in fermentation are required.