Process Development Scientist - Biotechnology

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Performance bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Process Development Scientist to join a hybrid team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design and optimize bioprocesses, scale them from lab to pilot and manufacturing scales, and analyze data to drive improvements.

A PhD or Master’s in a related field with 5+ years in bioprocessing is required, alongside strong data analysis skills. You will collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, and QA, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines while

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on bioprocess development and scale-up experience.
• Proven expertise in bioreactor operation, cell line development, and downstream purification.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology principles.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (JMP, R, Python) and design of experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize bioprocesses (e.g., microbial fermentation, mammalian cell culture, protein purification).
• Scale up processes from laboratory bench to pilot and manufacturing scales, ensuring robustness and reproducibility.
• Analyze process data using statistical methods and interpret results to guide improvements.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring bioprocess performance and product quality.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and development documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in bioprocess development.

Skills

Bioprocess development

Data analysis

Analytical problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in Biochemical Engineering

Master’s in Biotechnology

Tools

JMP

R

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the biotechnology field, is seeking a talented and experienced Process Development Scientist to join their hybrid team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is central to developing, optimizing, and scaling up bioprocesses for the production of novel therapeutics. You will work on cutting-edge projects, utilizing advanced techniques in cell culture, fermentation, and downstream processing. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, extensive hands‑on laboratory experience, and a deep understanding of bioprocess engineering principles. This hybrid position requires a balance of in‑lab experimentation and remote data analysis/reporting. You will be a key contributor to bringing life‑changing therapies from the bench to production scale, collaborating closely with research, development, and manufacturing teams. Your scientific rigor and problem‑solving abilities will be essential to our client's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize bioprocesses (e.g., microbial fermentation, mammalian cell culture, protein purification).
• Scale up processes from laboratory bench to pilot and manufacturing scales, ensuring process robustness and reproducibility.
• Analyze process data using statistical methods and interpret results to guide process improvements.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring bioprocess performance and product quality.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and development documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in bioprocess development.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in bioprocess development and scale‑up.
• Proven expertise in relevant bioprocessing techniques (e.g., bioreactor operation, cell line development, downstream purification).
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology principles.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., JMP, R, Python) and experience with statistical experimental design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, demonstrating strong self‑management for remote tasks.
• Experience in a GMP environment is a strong asset.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth. This hybrid role provides the flexibility to balance your work and personal life. You will be part of a stimulating and innovative work environment, contributing to groundbreaking scientific advancements in biotechnology. Join our client and be at the forefront of developing next‑generation therapies.