Downstream Processing Engineer

Full-time position based in Copenhagen, Denmark

About Octarine

We are a world-leading synthetic biology platform with a core mission to harness nature to drive bio-based, low-impact solutions to address the most pressing planetary issues through innovation & exploration. Founded in 2018, based on foundational research conducted at the Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at The University of Copenhagen and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability at The Technical University of Denmark, and driven by a responsible future where these pressing issues are met with transformative solutions. Grounded in a robust scientific foundation and unrivalled expertise in cell factory engineering, precision fermentation and enzymatic enhancement, we proudly unveil world-leading synthetic biology platforms, poised to transform entire industries for the betterment of society and the planet. We’re inspired by nature to protect nature.

Our latest R&D program harnesses precision fermentation to produce a new class of vibrant bio-based colours for the textiles industry and beyond, seeking to provide a solution that is not only highly sustainable, but also offers exceptional performance in textiles, printing, coatings, and other application areas.

Job description

As we enter the scale-up and commercialization phase of our PurePalette pigments we’re looking to expand our process optimization team with a Downstream Processing Engineer. In this role you will work alongside upstream and downstream scientists to develop, optimize, and scale strategies to purify our pigments from complex fermentation broth and produce pigment powders and liquids suitable for textile application and beyond. 

Specific tasks include:

·       Lab-scale optimization of diverse DSP unit operations including membrane filtration, centrifugation, solvent extraction, drying and milling

·       Investigating new DSP strategies to improve product quality and to develop products for new application areas

·       Validation of process parameters at pilot-scale and production of product test batches

·       Tech-transfer to Octarine’s manufacturing partners

·       Investigate how DSP parameters influence product performance alongside our product development team

Your profile

There are no formal requirements for this position but ideally you should be able to meet as many of the following requirements as possible. While we envisage this role as a Junior to Mid-level scientist position, we encourage people of all experience levels to apply as we can adapt the role to the experience level of the applicant.

·       MSc degree in chemical engineering, biotechnology or a field related to downstream processing

·       Practical hands-on experience with relevant DSP unit operations, preferably through industrial or real-world application

·       Sound theoretical understanding and practical experience purifying molecules from complex biological matrixes including yeast fermentation

·       Skilled in process integration and intensification with demonstrated success in developing downstream processes suitable for scale-up manufacturing

·       Impeccably well organised and able to work across different projects with different unit operations

·       Strong analytical and creative skills with an ability to solve complex problems with innovative solutions

·       Excellent communicator with an ability to work efficiently in cross-functional teams

·       Thrive in a fast-paced environment, able to meet tight-deadlines and adapt quickly to operational changes

Why work with us?

Octarine is located in the centre of one of Europe’s most liveable cities, in a country world-renowned for its exceptionally high quality of life and work/life balance. As a synthetic biology scale-up, Octarine team members have a high degree of autonomy, and their decisions and daily work have a direct and measurable impact on the success of the company. Work life at Octarine is highly diverse and ever-changing, team members are called on to assist the company in a wide range of areas and are constantly challenged with new and exciting scientific problems. Octarine has a core interest in developing solutions to big societal problems and works with molecules at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge, we therefore look for people who are excited and inspired to help change the world for the better. Working at Octarine gives you a unique opportunity to uncover the full potential of these ground-breaking molecules and to see how your scientific research leads to tangible real-world solutions. 

If this sounds like you and you’re excited to join our team, please apply ASAP! Applicants will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Please include at least a paragraph in your application (either as part of the CV or as a cover letter) with a brief explanation of how your background meets the requirements for the job. Feel free to contact Octarine’s CSO Nick Milne (nickmilne@octarinebio.com) with any questions or queries about the job posting.