Specialist Chemical Engineer - Industrial Biotechnology

Placements24; Durban; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Conference funding

Remote work option

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Specialist Chemical Engineer to drive design, development, and optimization of bioprocesses for sustainable chemical production in Durban. You will lead lab-scale experiments and pilot-scale operations, with a focus on fermentation systems and downstream processing.

Applicants should have a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering and 6+ years in industrial biotech, plus strong process modeling and regulatory understanding.

Formación

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering.
• 6+ years of hands-on industrial biotechnology experience.
• Proven experience in microbial fermentation or enzymatic processes.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of mass/heat transfer and reaction kinetics.

Responsabilidades

• Design, develop, and optimize bioprocesses for target molecules.
• Lead laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant operations for scale-up.
• Model and simulate bioprocess performance to improve yields.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance throughout projects.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to meet project goals.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Conocimientos

Biochemical engineering

Bioprocess scale-up

Fermentation design

Downstream processing

Process simulation

Mass/Heat transfer

Data interpretation

Educación

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Biochemical Engineering

Herramientas

Process simulation software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of industrial biotechnology, is seeking an exceptional Specialist Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team in Durban. This role is central to the design, development, and implementation of biotechnological processes for the sustainable production of chemicals and materials. You will be instrumental in optimizing bioreactor performance, downstream processing, and scale-up operations. This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated engineer to contribute to the growth of a rapidly evolving sector in a key coastal city of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize bioprocesses for the production of target molecules using microbial or enzymatic systems.
• Manage laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant operations for bioprocess scale-up.
• Perform process modeling and simulation to understand and improve bioreactor performance and downstream unit operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in fermentation, separation, and purification steps.
• Collaborate with research scientists, microbiologists, and other engineers to achieve project goals.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and yield.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality regulations (e.g., ISO standards).
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance bioprocessing efficiency and sustainability.
• Contribute to the economic assessment and feasibility studies of new bioproducts and processes.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on biotechnology.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial biotechnology process development and scale-up.
• Proven expertise in microbial fermentation or enzymatic process design and operation.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques (e.g., filtration, chromatography, extraction).
• Proficiency in process simulation software relevant to bioprocesses.
• Strong understanding of mass transfer, heat transfer, and kinetics in biological systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and regulatory requirements in the biotechnology sector.
• Must be willing to work remotely with occasional travel to Durban if required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a generous performance bonus. Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plans are provided. The company fosters a culture of innovation and offers excellent opportunities for professional growth, including funding for conferences and advanced training programs. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while being part of a groundbreaking team in the biotechnology field, with opportunities to visit Durban. This role promises significant career development within a leading organization.