Bio-Process Engineer / Technician (Junior)

About the role

We are looking for a motivated Bio‑Process Engineer or Technician to support the development and scale‑up of bioleaching processes for recycling industrial waste using microorganisms. The position involves laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments, managing process flows to produce pregnant leach solutions, and evaluating key technical parameters for optimisation.

Key responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory‑scale bioleaching experiments using bacteria or other microorganisms.
• Prepare, operate, and monitor bioleaching systems such as flasks, bioreactors and leaching columns under controlled conditions.
• Manage the overall process flow from feedstock preparation through bioleaching to obtain pregnant leach solutions (PLS).
• Monitor and analyse critical parameters including pH, temperature, redox potential, microbial activity, metal recovery rates and leaching kinetics.
• Scale experiments from laboratory to pilot‑line level, assessing performance, reproducibility and scalability.
• Collect, analyse and document experimental data to support process optimisation and decision‑making.
• Assist in developing, improving and standardising bioleaching protocols and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical handling and environmental regulations.

Required profile

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or related field.
• 1‑2 years of experience preferred; fresh graduates are also welcome.
• Hands‑on experience with microbial processes, fermentation, bioleaching or related bioprocess operations.
• Familiarity with laboratory‑scale bioreactors, process monitoring and analytical techniques.
• Understanding of mass balances, process flows and basic scale‑up principles.
• Strong experimental, analytical and documentation skills.

Required skills

• Microbial process handling and fermentation.
• Bioleaching techniques.
• Operation of laboratory‑scale bioreactors.
• Process monitoring and analytical techniques.
• Mass‑balance calculations and scale‑up principles.