Senior Fermentation Scientist - Bioprocess Development

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Our client, a leading biotechnology firm in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Fermentation Scientist to drive microbial process development and scale-up. You will design and optimize fermentation experiments and collaborate with downstream and analytical teams to ensure efficient product recovery.

The role requires a PhD/MS in a related field and at least 5 years hands-on fermentation experience across bacteria, yeast, or fungi, with strong DoE and analytical capabilities. On-site Paarl.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc with 5+ years of microbial fermentation experience.
• Experience with bacteria, yeast, or fungi and fermentation optimization.
• Strong DoE and statistical data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and optimize microbial fermentation processes.
• Develop protocols for lab to pilot to potential scale-up.
• Monitor fermentation parameters to maximize yield and purity.
• Use DoE to optimize media and conditions efficiently.
• Analyze biomass, substrates, and titers with analytical methods.
• Troubleshoot process issues and collaborate with downstream teams.
• Prepare technical reports and support regulatory filings.

Skills

DoE design of experiments

Statistical analysis

Microbiology background

Bioprocess engineering

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology or Biotechnology or Biochemical Engineering

MS with hands-on fermentation experience

Tools

HPLC

GC

Spectrophotometry

Bioreactors

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biotechnology firm, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Fermentation Scientist to contribute to their innovative bioprocess development efforts in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is critical for the optimization and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes for the production of novel biotherapeutics and industrial enzymes. You will be responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing fermentation experiments to maximize product yield, purity, and process efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiology, biochemical engineering, and hands‑on experience with fermentation technology. You will collaborate closely with downstream processing, analytical development, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless process integration. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a cutting‑edge research and development environment in Paarl .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize microbial fermentation processes for various microbial strains.
• Develop and validate fermentation protocols for lab‑scale, pilot‑scale, and potentially commercial‑scale production.
• Monitor and control critical fermentation parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrient feeding) to ensure optimal growth and product formation.
• Utilize statistical experimental design (DoE) to efficiently optimize fermentation conditions and media formulations.
• Analyze fermentation data, including biomass, substrate consumption, and product titers, using appropriate analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot fermentation‑related issues and implement solutions to maintain process performance.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to ensure efficient product recovery and purification.
• Stay current with advancements in fermentation technology, microbial physiology, and bioprocess engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, present findings to project teams, and contribute to regulatory filings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in microbial fermentation process development and optimization.
• Proven expertise in working with a variety of microbial systems (bacteria, yeast, fungi).
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetics.
• Experience with bioreactor operation, process monitoring, and control systems.
• Proficiency in experimental design (DoE) and statistical analysis of data.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques used for monitoring fermentation processes (e.g., HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry).
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to work on‑site at our facility in Paarl .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and advanced training programs.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art fermentation facilities and advanced analytical equipment.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Potential for career growth within a leading biotechnology company.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates moving to the Paarl area.
• Join our client and make a significant contribution to the advancement of bioprocess technology.