Bioprocess Engineer (microbial fermentation)

Company Description

S-Biomedic is an early stage and translational biotech R&D company dedicated to skin health, pioneering pre-, pro- and post-biotic ingredients with a focus on skin commensal microbes. The company develops novel active ingredients for cosmetic formulations that offer distinctive positioning and targeted skin benefits. Its solutions are supported by clinically substantiated efficacy claims, giving partners and customers confidence in performance. By leveraging a proprietary technology platform and deep expertise in the skin microbiome, S-Biomedic is redefining skincare and dermatology. The company focuses on innovative, microbiome-based solutions for a wide variety of skin conditions.

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Role Description

We are looking for a hands-on Bioprocess Engineer to support the development, optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer of microbial fermentation processes.

The role covers laboratory and pilot-scale fermentation, seed-train development, bioreactor operation, process monitoring, downstream processing, process troubleshooting, technical documentation, and manufacturing support. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with R&D, Product Development and Manufacturing departments, as well as with external CMOs, suppliers, laboratories, and equipment vendors.

This position combines experimental science, process engineering, and technology transfer. It is particularly suited to someone who enjoys working across laboratory, pilot-scale, and manufacturing environments and translating process data into practical, scalable solutions.

Bioprocess Development and Laboratory Execution

• Develop, execute, optimize and document microbial fermentation processes from bench scale through pilot scale.
• Plan and perform seed train development, fermenter's cultivation, process monitoring, sampling and in-process and QC Testing.
• Develop and optimize downstream processing steps like harvesting, concentration, washing, cryoprotectant addition, drying, milling, blending and related processes.
• Design experiments with other scientists, define process hypotheses and acceptance criteria, analyze results, and translate findings into clear next steps.
• Prepare experimental protocols, laboratory reports, process descriptions, batch records, SOPs, and technical presentations in accordance with internal documentation requirements.

Scale-up, Process engineering and technology transfer

• Support scale-up and scale-down studies and define critical process parameters, in-process controls, operating ranges, and equipment requirements.
• Provide hands-on process-engineering support during pilot-scale runs, troubleshooting, engineering batches, and manufacturing activities.
• Prepare and maintain technology-transfer packages for transfer of production processes to external contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
• Support CMO technical assessments, process fit and gap analysis, transfer planning, manufacturing readiness, execution of engineering or validation runs, and technical follow-up.
• Investigate process deviations, yield or viability losses, holding times, contamination risks, and stability-related process issues, and propose scientifically justified corrective actions.

Process improvement, Equipment and innovation

• Apply organizational, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills to improve laboratory and scale-up operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and introduce suitable methods, technologies, equipment, process analytical tools, and data-monitoring approaches.
• Support equipment selection, qualification, operation, maintenance coordination, cleaning, and safe use of laboratory and pilot-scale fermentation systems.
• Contribute to robust, reproducible, efficient, and scalable processes while considering product quality, viability, stability, processing time, and manufacturability.

Materials, External services and collaboration

• Source and technically assess raw materials, consumables, equipment, and external services required for process-development and manufacturing-support activities.
• Coordinate technical activities with suppliers, laboratories, service providers, CMOs, research partners, and customers to ensure smooth execution.
• .Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Development, and project stakeholders.
• Communicate plans, risks, results, bottlenecks, and recommendations clearly and in a timely manner; maintain action trackers and follow agreed deliverables.

Quality and documentation support.

• Assist in the preparation and review of technical and quality documents.
• Help ensure compliance with internal procedures and documentation standards.
• Support inventory and sample tracking activities where required

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Experience

About 3 to 6 years of relevant experience in microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, upstream or downstream processing, scale-up, process engineering, technology transfer or manufacturing support. Hands-on experience with laboratory and large-scale bioreactors is essential.

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Education

A Master’s degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and strong directly relevant experience may also be considered. Fluency in English is required.

Interested in helping contribute to discovery and translate microbial science into robust and scalable processes? Apply now or share this opportunity with your network.