Hybrid Fermentation & Bioprocess Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art bioprocessing labs

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in Fermentation and Bioprocessing to join a leader in biotechnology in Paarl, Western Cape. Design, optimize, scale-up and operate microbial fermentation for biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals; hybrid work model with on-site lab and remote analysis.

The role requires strong microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and downstream processing know-how; collaborative, data-driven environment with quality systems and GMP

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 3–5 years' hands-on experience in industrial fermentation and downstream bioprocessing.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetic engineering in bioprocessing.
• Proficiency with fermentation equipment and control systems.
• Experience with downstream purification techniques (centrifugation, filtration, chromatography).
• Knowledge of process modeling and simulation is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and ability to work in a hybrid team.
• Familiarity with GMP or quality systems desirable.
• Adaptability to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize microbial fermentation processes for target products.
• Scale-up fermentation from bench to pilot and commercial scales.
• Develop downstream processing strategies (cell harvesting, purification, formulation).
• Monitor fermentation parameters to maximize yield and productivity.
• Perform process validation and characterization studies.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of bioprocesses.
• Troubleshoot fermentation and downstream processing issues.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, biochemists, and scientists to meet objectives.
• Maintain batch records, develop SOPs, ensure quality/regulatory compliance.
• Analyze process data and prepare development reports.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioprocessing

Metabolic engineering

Process control

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

GMP awareness

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Control systems

Chromatography

Filtration

Centrifugation

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer with expertise in Fermentation and Bioprocessing to join a leader in biotechnology in Paarl, Western Cape. Design, optimize, scale-up and operate microbial fermentation for biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals; hybrid work model with on-site lab and remote analysis.

The role requires strong microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and downstream processing know-how; collaborative, data-driven environment with quality systems and GMP