Chief Bioprocess Engineer

To support the growth of our bioconversion unit, we are looking for a highly motivated and qualified Senior Bioprocess Engineer to join our team and play a crucial role in the design and scale-up of our bioconversion processes.

In this role, you will work at the intersection of engineering, science, and sustainability, translating cutting-edge innovative processes into scalable industrial operations. You will work closely with our team, complementing our strong expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, computational biology and business with strong process engineering expertise.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role where no two days are the same. You'll lay the groundwork for our first demonstration plant, inform the design of our first industrial plants, and help us realize our vision of a fully circular commercial biorefinery operation.

Responsibilities:

• Translating patented small-scale bioprocesses into scalable production systems. These include mushroom-based fermentation, downstream separation and purification processes, as well as anaerobic digestion processes, which have already been tested in a real-world environment. To do this, you will work hand in hand with other team members with complementary expertise to understand and adapt processes to scale.

• Drive the design, implementation and optimization of our industrial processes, starting with demonstration plants and flagship plants. This includes:

  • Lead external industry process engineering partners supporting Novobiom, e.g., oversee the development and validation of digital process twins, coordinate engineering work and printing of the demonstration plant and future flagship plant plan.

  • Lead equipment selection, layout design, safety protocols, and process integration.

  • Identify bottlenecks, test solutions, and iterate quickly in a startup environment.    

  • Management of the construction and operation of the textile recycling demonstration plant

  • Help create documentation and systems for future operational scaling.

Education : Master's degree or higher in Agri-Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology or a related field.

Professional experience :

• Significant experience in agri-food engineering and/or bioprocess engineering, e.g., in the design and operation of biorefineries or related plants (5+ years).

• Experience designing and scaling USP fermentation and DSP separation, biomolecule purification (experience with biosurfactants is a plus). Strong understanding of bioprocess principles, proficiency in the design and selection of equipment for bioreactors, centrifuges, filters, and other process units.

• Experience in transforming laboratory-scale processes into industrial processes, building a pilot plant or demonstration plant is highly desirable.

• Experience and understanding of digital twins / process simulation tools

• Familiarity with process control systems and instrumentation.

• Proven track record in coordinating and collaborating effectively with external partners

• Familiarity with relevant regulatory and safety frameworks in biotech or chemical plants

Leadership / Project Management:

• Proven experience in managing complex engineering projects, including project planning, execution, and monitoring.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Passion for Mission: If you are the ideal candidate, your motivation must come from the urgent need to restore our planet. Your role goes beyond a job ; It is a commitment to be part of a team that builds and implements the best solutions for a sustainable future.

Entrepreneurial spirit: Familiarity with startup culture and ability to thrive in a dynamic and often ambiguous environment. Our processes are still being built, and that's part of the fun. If you like to roll up your sleeves, figure things out as you go, make inventing, consolidating, and scaling solutions your own, you'll feel right at home here. This role requires the ability to move forward even when all the pieces are not in place. We are looking for someone who can focus on what matters most, with a collaborative, positive and caring mindset. This is especially important because it is a leadership role.

Communication and collaboration:

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate, engage and communicate clearly with stakeholders with diverse experiences, skills and roles – both internally and externally.

• Fluency in English and French, both oral and written, is required to communicate effectively with team members, clients and partners.

1. A screening with our HR manager

2. Interview with our technical manager

3. Last interview with our COO and CEO on values and culture

4. Let's get started ! 🚀

Note: In your cover letter, please highlight your experience with the responsibilities of this role and the qualifications required. Also, briefly describe your experience working in a startup or similar environment, if applicable.