Senior Fermentation Scientist - Bioprocess Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Fermentation Scientist to lead microbial fermentation process development in Paarl, Western Cape. You will design, execute, and optimize fermentation experiments, spanning lab to potential commercial scales, ensuring high yield and product quality. The role demands a Ph.D.

or M.S. with at least 5 years of hands-on experience in microbial systems, DoE, and bioprocess engineering.

Qualifications

• 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 with a variety of microbial systems (bacteria, yeast, fungi).
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetics.

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 (temperature, pH, DO, nutrient feeding).
• Utilize DoE to optimize fermentation conditions and media formulations.
• Analyze fermentation data including biomass, substrate consumption, and product titers.
• Troubleshoot fermentation-related issues and maintain process performance.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams for product recovery and purification.
• Stay current with advancements in fermentation technology and bioprocess engineering.
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Skills

Fermentation design

Bioprocess optimization

DoE

Statistical analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

HPLC

GC

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.