Senior Chemical Engineer - Industrial Scale Fermentation

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for a biotechnology client in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role focuses on optimizing industrial-scale fermentation processes and designing new bioprocess strategies for biochemicals in a GMP environment.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering with 7+ years of experience, strong microbial physiology knowledge, and hands-on bioreactor and downstream processing expertise. Relocation to Pretoria is supported.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial fermentation process development and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology and metabolism.
• Experience with various bioreactor types and operation modes.
• Knowledge of downstream processing techniques for biomolecules.
• Proficiency in process modeling and simulation tools relevant to bioprocesses.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, operation, and optimization of industrial fermentation processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for media optimization and strain improvement to enhance yields and productivity.
• Manage bioreactor operations, including monitoring critical process parameters (temperature, pH, DO).
• Design and troubleshoot downstream processing steps, such as separation, purification, and formulation.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement appropriate safety controls for bioprocesses.
• Scale up fermentation processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive reports.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, molecular biologists, and process engineers.
• Ensure compliance with GMP standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Industrial fermentation

Bioreactor design

Downstream processing

GMP knowledge

Process modeling

Microbial physiology

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Bioprocess software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing biotechnology company, is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in industrial-scale fermentation processes. This critical role is based in **Pretoria, Gauteng**, and will involve optimizing existing bioprocesses and designing new fermentation strategies for the production of valuable biochemicals. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in microbial physiology, bioreactor design, and downstream processing. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable biomanufacturing within **South Africa**. You will work in a collaborative environment, driving innovation and ensuring the efficient and safe operation of large-scale fermentation facilities in **Pretoria**.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, operation, and optimization of industrial fermentation processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for media optimization and strain improvement to enhance yields and productivity.
• Manage bioreactor operations, including monitoring critical process parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc.).
• Design and troubleshoot downstream processing steps, such as separation, purification, and formulation.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement appropriate safety controls for bioprocesses.
• Scale up fermentation processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scales.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive reports.
• Collaborate with microbiologists, molecular biologists, and process engineers.
• Ensure compliance with GMP standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial fermentation process development and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology and metabolism.
• Proven experience with various bioreactor types and operation modes.
• Knowledge of downstream processing techniques for biomolecules.
• Proficiency in process modeling and simulation tools relevant to bioprocesses.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Experience in a GMP-regulated environment is highly desirable.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Pretoria, Gauteng**.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. Opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and attending key industry conferences are available. This **Gauteng**-based role offers the chance to work at the forefront of biotechnology, contributing to innovative solutions. Join a dedicated team focused on excellence and sustainability in biomanufacturing in **South Africa**.