Downstream Bioprocessing Scientist

Bioextrax is an innovation-driven company using industrial biotechnology to contribute to a more sustainable future. The company is originally a spin-off from the Department of Biotechnology at Lund University and is today a rapidly growing publicly traded company.
The vision is to be a world-leader in bio-based technologies accelerating the transition to a sustainable, green global economy. The company is consistently working to develop innovative and green solutions based on microbiology and biotechnology.
The core of our business is a highly scalable bio-based platform technology for the hydrolysis of protein-rich materials. This technology has many applications contributing to a sustainable and circular economy. Based on this platform, we are developing chemical-free methods to produce the bio-based and biodegradable biopolymers PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and turn various protein-rich materials such as poultry feathers into valuable ingredients for feed, textile, and cosmetic applications.
About the position
We are looking for a Downstream Bioprocessing Scientist to join our team at the head office in Lund, Sweden. You will be working closely with our Chief Technology Officer in a creative role where your tasks will range from designing and executing lab/pilot experiments to exploring new downstream processing methods. You will be responsible for downstream process conceptualisation, definition of new processes and the development and testing of strategies to improve purity and yield in a cost-efficient way.
Your responsibilities will be:
· Management, design, and lab operation of pilot-scale (3-60 and 1000 L) experiments.
· Presentation and interpretation of results and project outcomes.
· Actively contribute to the improvement of processes and methods, as well as evaluation of the patentability of the results.
· Management of R&D and customer related projects.
· Preparation and review of protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for technology transfers.
· Writing patents and project reports.
Specific responsibilities include developing and enhancing downstream processing of microbial cells and products, extracting and purifying extracellular and intracellular microbial products, and analysing their purity. The position involves managing the laboratories' day-to-day running, data collection, analysis, reporting, and leading and collaborating with other team/s members.
Qualifications
You are an ambitious Scientist with a Ph.D. degree in biochemical engineering, environmental engineering, biotechnology, or related discipline with an emphasis on downstream processing. Industry or industry related experience of 4+ years is necessary. Applicants with MSc and 8+ years of related industry or R&D experience will be also considered.
You have experience of management and design lab operation and leading/participating in projects.
You are fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Required lab experience:
· Lab and pilot scale practical engineering experience in optimizing and scaling harvesting of microbial cells (centrifugation, membrane filtration, coagulation, sedimentation, etc.), cell disruption, extraction, and purification technologies of microbial and natural products.
· Strong knowledge and practical experience in separating microbial intracellular and extracellular metabolites products and cellular components, such as lipids, proteins, organic and amino acids, etc. Large-scale separation experience is a significant advantage.
· Experience in softwares like Aspen, SuperPro, SchedulePro, DOE.
Desired experience:
· Bioprocess modelling experience for upscaling and downscaling of industrial processes.
· Large scale or industrial scale experience in downstream bioprocessing and bioproduction.
· Experience in process cost estimation and in statistical experimental design.
· Downstream processing of scl and mcl PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and/or natural fibers.
· Extraction and purification of the bioplastic, PHA and/or protein hydrolysates.
· Knowledge and practical experience in microbial fermentation technologies.
About you:
You have an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to take advantage of new opportunities and let go of things that do not work. You also possess a willingness to learn new things, collaborate, and critically assess new ideas.
We think that the right person can work on a stand-alone basis. It is also important that you are flexible, solution-oriented, innovative and at the same time being reliable. You are a down to earth person and possess good social skills.
Bioextrax is growing fast, and you consider it an exciting opportunity to be part of our journey.
The position may require occasional shift work (eg. evenings, night or weekends). It is a full-time position based in Lund.
Welcome with your application, we will evaluate the applications on an ongoing basis.
For further information please contact Helena Raihle Head of Communications, People & Culture on +46 702 635 378 or at her@bioextrax.com.