Upstream Bioprocess Scale-up Engineer Specialist

Braskem, a global leader in the production of bio-based materials, is committed to reducing the carbon intensity of its products through development of technology utilizing bio-based feedstocks. In addition to its existing biotechnology research center in Campinas, Brazil, Braskem has recently opened a new renewable research and development facility in Lexington, MA. These two state-of-the-art facilities bring together scientists and engineers from a variety of disciplines to ideate and develop novel technologies for the production of bio-based chemicals and materials.

Braskem Innovation and Technology is seeking an exceptional upstream bioprocess engineer for to scale-up of emerging technologies in the area of bio-based chemicals via fermentation processes. The candidate will work closely with the fermentation development team and have primary responsibility for commercial process design, ensuring technical risks are addressed and mitigated in the scale-up from lab to pilot/demo phases. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fermentation scale-up with experience in implementation of new technology at industrial scale and comfort working closely with innovative teams from research and development.

• Synthesize the upstream conceptual process design for fermentation-based technologies emerging from discovery teams in lab. This includes all steps from feed preparation, seed train, and fermentation sections of the flowsheet.
• Work closely with the fermentation development team to guide experimental work with a view toward the commercial process design, and ensure relevant technical targets are set based on commercial process economics.
• Guide the planning of the pilot plant testing program according to the conceptualized commercial design to ensure the key risks are mapped and mitigate as the technology progresses through scale-up.
• Build strong relationships while working closely with the firms operating or constructing the pilot plant fermentation units.
• Generate the technology transfer package in collaboration with the fermentation development team for upstream section of the bioprocess. Serve as the fermentation process expert during pilot and demo testing, being present onsite for extended campaigns.
• Support process safety reviews for emerging technologies.
• Own responsibility as the expert on the process technology and key deliverables of the Process Design Package PDP that will be the basis for commercial design and engineering or toll manufacturing.

• Identify and evaluate innovative and disruptive technologies through interaction with technology licensors, participation in events associated with bio-based chemical technologies, and review of international publications.
• Carry out techno-economic assessments, actively participating in the preparation and/or technical review of mass and energy balances, PFDs, Capex and Opex estimates, among others.
• Work with different teams within Braskem (eg process engineering, biotech and catalysis, sustainability, innovation, intellectual property, etc.) to guarantee the successful development of projects.
• Collaborate with universities, start-ups and technology hubs seeking new technologies that may be of interest to Braskem.

• B S in Chemical Engineering or relevant field (PhD is a plus) with a strong background in new technology development
• 10+ years (including graduate research) experience in bioprocess engineering
• Demonstrated experience in process development and scale-up for fermentation technology with implementation of new technology at industrial scale
• Demonstrated expertise using process simulation software (eg SuperPro or Aspen Plus)
• Experience in pilot plant and/or demo plant operations
• Experience with microbial, aseptic aerobic fermentation in stainless steel SIP fermenters
• Strong technical judgement to assess project decisions and timetables
• Ability and seniority to ensure good interpersonal relationships and people management, to work on projects with internal and external interfaces
• Have a working knowledge of intellectual property
• English and Portuguese fluency is required

Location: Hybrid mode with a home site of Campinas, Brazil to ensure a close working relationship with research teams at the Braskem Tech Centers.

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Plastics Manufacturing