Process Development Engineer - Fermentation Technologies

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art labs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Engineer with a fermentation focus for our Stellenbosch facility in the Western Cape. The role combines lab-based development with remote data analysis in a hybrid work model to advance bio-based production.

The ideal candidate has MSc or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering with fermentation emphasis and 5+ years in industrial process development, plus hands-on bioreactor experience and data-analysis skills.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field with fermentation focus.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial fermentation process development.
• Proven optimization of microbial growth and product formation in bioreactors.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess engineering principles.
• Hands-on bioreactor operation, monitoring, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize microbial fermentation processes for yield, productivity, and product quality.
• Design and execute laboratory-scale and pilot-scale fermentation experiments.
• Analyze fermentation data, including kinetics, mass transfer, and metabolic pathways.
• Perform scale-up studies and identify critical process parameters.
• Troubleshoot fermentation issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and validate process models for fermentation systems.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams for integrated development.
• Contribute to design/specification of new fermentation equipment and facilities.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare technical reports.
• Stay updated on advancements in fermentation technology.

Skills

Fermentation experience

Bioprocess engineering

Data analysis

Analytical mindset

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (fermentation focus)

Tools

JMP

R

Bioreactor operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biotech company at the forefront of sustainable bio-manufacturing, is seeking a dynamic Process Development Engineer specializing in fermentation technologies for their facility in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This role is crucial for developing, optimizing, and scaling up fermentation processes for the production of novel bio-based products. You will work within a cutting-edge laboratory and pilot plant environment, translating research findings into robust industrial processes. The hybrid work model allows for essential lab/plant interaction combined with data analysis and reporting conducted remotely. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biochemical engineering, fermentation science, and scale-up principles. We are based in the vibrant innovation hub of **Stellenbosch**, known for its academic excellence and thriving scientific community. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of the bio-economy and develop sustainable solutions for the future. Our client is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize microbial fermentation processes for yield, productivity, and product quality.
• Design and execute laboratory-scale and pilot-scale fermentation experiments.
• Analyze fermentation data, including kinetics, mass transfer, and metabolic pathways.
• Perform scale-up studies, identifying critical process parameters and engineering challenges.
• Troubleshoot fermentation process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and validate process models for fermentation systems.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream processing teams to ensure integrated process development.
• Contribute to the design and specification of new fermentation equipment and facilities.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Stay abreast of advancements in fermentation technology and biotechnology.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on fermentation.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development for industrial fermentation.
• Proven experience in optimizing microbial growth and product formation in bioreactors.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess engineering principles.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactor operation, monitoring, and control systems.
• Familiarity with downstream processing techniques relevant to bio-based products.
• Excellent analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., JMP, R).
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape** or similar biotech research environments is beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid setting, balancing lab work with remote analysis.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art fermentation and analytical laboratories.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life balance and productivity.
• Be part of a pioneering company making significant contributions to sustainable technology.