Process Development Engineer / Scientist – Biocatalysis Full Time

Our Client is one of the UK’s leading developers of bioplastics and biopolymers.

They are now seeking a Process Development Engineer / Scientist – Biocatalysis.

This position is a full time permanent role in the fast developing market of bio-based chemicals and plastic. An initial laboratory and pilot scale project will run for two years in collaboration with others and then continue to demonstration scale and subsequent commercialisation in due course.

Location within the UK is flexible with regular travel to University of Leeds and University of Liverpool and other locations as and when required. Ideally; the candidate will live in North West England, Yorkshire or the Midlands

Job Purpose

The market for bioplastics is constrained by the functional capability and the cost of production of the current generation of materials. Our Client’s strategy is to bring to market novel, highly functional polyesters derived from lignocellulose using industrial biotechnology.

Key Responsibilities

Having completed an initial one-year feasibility study, our Client is about to start a two-year project with the Universities of Liverpool and Leeds and others to further develop engineered enzymes and trial equipment in a novel pilot-scale enzymic continuous process producing high 2,5–furandicarboxylic acid [FDCA] monomer from bio-derived 5-hydroxymethyl furfural [HMF].

The process will be scaled further at sub-contract development facilities and the kilogramme quantities of FDCA produced will be used to manufacture high performance polymers such as poly(butylene adipate-co-2,5-furandicarboxylate) [PBAF] and other heterocyclic co-polyesters.

The previous, lab-scale work and techno-economic assessment has already ascertained the technical and commercial feasibility of the process, subject to meeting clear development targets that will be addressed in this project

Our Client has already shown PBAF and associated co-polymers have exciting marketable properties. A continuous enzymic route to FDCA has the potential to improve significantly the profitability/competitiveness of our Client.

Qualifications and Experience

A good first degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering with strong mathematical competence and rigorous scientific method.

Either a PhD in a Biocatalysis, Catalysis or Process Development (our Client is particularly interested in continuous fermentation) OR equivalent industrial experience in catalysis / process development.

Solid experience in leading or being a significant participant of scaling up Biocatalysis for industrial purposes (ideally in an industrial environment)

The ability to manage and drive / enable the project’s process development is essential

Strong influencing skills to work in collaboration with university research teams

Commercial exposure and experience of techno economic evaluation is desirable

Solid IT / Microsoft skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills, being fluent in English.

Strong reporting skills

A team player mentality, but one who is also able to work independently

In return, our client is offering a basic salary of £35,000 – £40,000 per annum plus benefits.

Please e-mail your C.V together with a covering letter to Lorraine Roger, Director at Atom Recruitment Ltd.