Senior Fermentation Process Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Fermentation Process Engineer in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes for bioproducts, leading projects to improve yield, titer, and productivity. You will mentor junior engineers and ensure GMP-compliant operations.

The position offers a hybrid work model with on-site collaboration and remote work elements, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement in cutting-edge biotech.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in fermentation process development and scale-up.
• Experience with GMP and regulatory submissions desirable.
• Hands-on with bioreactors and fermentation equipment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize microbial fermentation processes for biopharmaceuticals and bio-based products.
• Lead scale-up from laboratory to pilot and commercial-scale fermenters.
• Develop experiments to improve yield, titer, and productivity.
• Troubleshoot microbial growth, contamination, and process performance issues.
• Implement PAT for real-time monitoring and control.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams for integrated development.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and safety standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists in fermentation development.

Skills

Fermentation process development

Scale-up to pilot and commercial

Process modeling & statistics

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Eng

Tools

Bioreactors

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biotechnology firm, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Fermentation Process Engineer to join their growing team in Mahikeng, North West. This role is integral to the development, optimization, and scale-up of fermentation processes for novel bioproducts. The Senior Fermentation Process Engineer will lead projects focused on enhancing microbial performance, optimizing media composition, and ensuring robust, reproducible fermentation runs. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biotechnological advancements within our client's operations in the North West province. The role employs a hybrid work model, allowing for a balanced approach to remote and on-site responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize microbial fermentation processes for the production of biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, or other bio-based products.
• Lead scale-up efforts from laboratory bench to pilot and commercial-scale fermenters.
• Develop and execute experimental plans to improve fermentation yield, titer, and productivity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to microbial growth, contamination, and process performance.
• Implement and utilize process analytical technology (PAT) for real-time monitoring and control.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream processing teams to ensure integrated process development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP) and safety standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists involved in fermentation process development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in fermentation process development and scale-up.
• In-depth knowledge of microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and fermentation kinetics.
• Hands-on experience with various types of bioreactors and fermentation equipment.
• Proficiency in process modeling and statistical analysis for process optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Experience with GMP and regulatory submissions is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are strongly supported.

The role is situated in Mahikeng, North West, operating under a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work flexibility with key on-site collaboration.