Hybrid Bioprocess Engineer – Fermentation & Scale-Up

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

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.