Optify Search are currently partnered with an innovative biotechnology company developing next-generation sustainable ingredients through precision fermentation for the food and cosmetics industries. We are searching for a DSP Chemical Engineer to lead the development, optimisation and scale-up of downstream processing technologies for microbial oil production, supporting the transition from laboratory development through pilot and commercial manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimise extraction, purification and recovery processes for microbial oils and lipids.
Design and validate refining operations including degumming, neutralisation, bleaching and other downstream processing steps tailored to end-product requirements.
Lead MVP generation and process development activities at laboratory and pilot scale.
Drive the transfer of downstream processes from R&D into pilot and industrial manufacturing environments.
Evaluate, select and implement suitable process equipment, separation technologies and refining aids for varying scale and purity requirements.
Troubleshoot process performance issues and identify opportunities to improve robustness, sustainability and overall manufacturing efficiency.
Design and execute DoE studies to optimise process performance and support data-driven decision making.
Maintain detailed experimental documentation and collaborate closely with fermentation, analytical and cross-functional teams to support commercialisation objectives.

Qualifications

Educational Background: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related discipline with relevant industrial experience, or MSc with several years of downstream processing experience.
Downstream Processing Expertise: Proven experience developing and scaling DSP processes for microbial, fermentation-derived or biotechnological products.
Separation Technologies: Strong knowledge of extraction, filtration, centrifugation, drying and purification technologies.
Refining Knowledge: Experience with oil and lipid refining processes such as degumming, neutralisation, bleaching and deodorisation is highly desirable.
Process Development & Scale-Up: Demonstrated ability to transfer laboratory processes into pilot and commercial manufacturing environments.
Statistical Optimisation: Hands‑on experience with Design of Experiments (DoE), process characterisation and statistical process optimisation.
Collaboration & Communication: Strong organisational, documentation and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Experience

Development of microbial lipids, fermentation-derived oils or other bio-based ingredients.
Hands‑on downstream process scale‑up experience within biotechnology, food technology, specialty ingredients or related industries.
Knowledge of sustainable downstream processing approaches and process intensification technologies.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key role in scaling a ground‑breaking precision fermentation platform and bringing sustainable ingredients to market. The successful candidate will have significant technical ownership and the chance to shape downstream processing strategy within a high‑growth biotechnology company.

#J-18808-Ljbffr